Joan Tortel

Filer- Joan Butler Tortel, 81, of Filer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 18, 2015, in Twin Falls. She was born January 11, 1934, in Carroll County, Arkansas, the daughter of Kenneth L. and Ruby Hayhurst Butler. The family settled in Jerome in 1947. Joan attended Jerome High School, where she met Max O. Suter. They were later married and settled on a farm North of Jerome where they raised three sons, Michael, Randy and Douglas. Joan spent many years working on the farm and also worked at Van Gas and retired from Idaho Frozen Foods.

She later married Paige Tortel and became mother to two more sons, Errow and Myles Tortel. As time passed, she became grandmother to Jason, Michael, Zachary, Casey, Kelly, Karlena and Jayne. Joan enjoyed reading, painting, gardening, and was a talented organist. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Joan is survived by two sons, Mike Suter and Randy (Cherri) Suter, all of Jerome; two stepsons, Errow (Cindy) Tortel of Filer and Myles (Venita) Tortel of Idaho Falls; one brother, Loren Butler of Twin Falls; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paige Tortel, and her son Doug.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. , Wednesday November 25, 2015 , at Farnsworth Mortuary Chapel, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome. A private interment will be held in the Filer Cemetery.

Joan’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her name to a charity of your choice. www.farnsworthmortuary.com