Obituary of LaJona Jo Graner

LaJona Jo Graner (née Keenan) was born October 27, 1960 to Homer O. and Betty Jo Keenan (née McCortney) at Fayette County Hospital, Vandalia, Illinois. She was the youngest of five children, with 10 years between her and her closest sister, Quita – an unexpected but beloved surprise to be sure. She was introduced to her husband, John, by her brother, Robert aka “Speed”, in 1979 and they were married April 18, 1980 – spending a joy filled forty-three years of marriage together. The first thirteen years of their marriage was spent traveling the country by motorcycle as Speed and John continued to work electronic layout contracts at various companies around the country together, how the two friends had first met for Speed to then introduce John and LaJona to one another. In this time they made several trips to Sturgis, South Dakota for the famous motorcycle festival held there and made many life long friends in their travels. LaJona was always a family focused person, putting others before herself often – whether family or close friends, she was there to support everyone close to her through any struggles they may encounter. In 1993, after establishing roots in what is still thought of as the family home in Tucson, AZ, the happy couple welcomed their only child – daughter, LaRay Jo. LaJona was as devoted a mother as any child could ask for – made every school drop off and pick up herself every day throughout LaRay’s schooling from Kindergarten to High School, attending every sporting event, violin lesson, violin recital, karate tournament, karate belt testing – any event or endeavor LaRay undertook, LaJona was there for it all, without fail and always with the biggest smile and loudest cheer of any parent in attendance. LaJona leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, John; daughter: LaRay Jo Graner (Torren Blanc) of Tucson, AZ; sister: Quita (Jerry) Moulton of Osage Beach, MO; sister-in-law: Paulette (Doug) Rosenbaum of Bismarck, ND; sister-in-law: Becky Christensen of Bismarck, ND; as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Bobby, Speed and Gene. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Bring’s Broadway Chapel, Tucson, AZ. Internment to follow immediately at East Lawn Palms, Tucson, AZ. Flowers for her service can be sent directly to Bring’s for anyone so inclined.