Obituary of Jacqueline Brechbill
Jacqueline “JoAnn” Brechbill, 86, died Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Palm Desert, CA. She was born to Harold and Frances Ruggenberg in St. Maries, ID on July 12, 1937. She spent the majority of her youth in St. Maries where she graduated from St. Maries High School in 1955.
After graduating high school, she attended the University of Idaho. She began working for the United States Forest Service in St. Maries. During her career JoAnn worked in Coeur d' Alene, ID; Corvallis, OR; Lakeview, OR; Portland, OR, and eventually in San Francisco, CA where she retired after 30 years of service. During the latter part of her Forest Service career, she returned to college and earned her Bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga. Upon her retirement she continued her education and received her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. After earning her degree, she started her second career as an ordained Presbyterian minister. Her ministry took her to many places including Lakeland, FL; Berkeley, CA; Spokane, WA, and ultimately to Colorado Springs, CO. JoAnn’s influence was felt far and wide as she comforted those in need, preached the gospel, and ministered to many. Known for her smile, infectious laugh and great sense of humor she affected many lives and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
JoAnn had an amazing life, she loved spending time with her family, was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling, and was fortunate enough to visit many countries around the world, including three trips to the Holy land. JoAnn is survived by her two sons, Lance (Jeffrey) Brechbill of Rancho Mirage California, Lane (Julie) Brechbill of Livermore, CA; siblings Jay (Ethel) Ruggenberg of Spokane, WA, Judy (Dale) Yarber of Rathdrum, ID, and Jeannie (Joe) Spiesman of St. Maries, ID; many nieces, nephews. and friends.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs on April 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held later this summer in St. Maries, ID.
