JoAnn Genta

JoAnn Erickson Genta, 79 passed away December 16, 2020 with her husband of 59 years by her side.

JoAnn Erickson Genta was born June 25, 1941 in Rexburg, Idaho to Henry and DeVeda (Nelson) Erickson. She was the third child of five, and says that the nurse named her. She grew up in Archer, Idaho attending the old Archer School through 8th grade. Then graduated from Madison High School in 1959. There she met the love of her life as a high school sophomore. She graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Ricks College in 1960. She and Norman “Errol” Genta were married and sealed for time and all eternity August 18, 1961 in Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

They lived in Provo, Utah, Afton and Casper, Wyoming then back to Rexburg, Idaho. Then in 1972, they moved to Caldwell, Idaho where she worked at the College of Idaho for the athletic department and then Taylor Music. In May of 1984, Errol and JoAnn opened Garbonzo’s Pizza of Middleton, where they have both spent countless hours working for 36 years to make it successful and a staple of Middleton, Idaho. Everyone knows Garbonzo’s. Even after their son Tom took over running it, JoAnn would continue to stop in regularly to help out.

She played the piano beautifully and instilled a love of music in all her children. She spent many years in various callings and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved to sew and crochet and spent many hours doing humanitarian work. Her greatest tradition was making Christmas ties. Her legacy is that she loved everyone and many called her a beloved friend. She told everyone that she loved them. She loved the Savior and was an example of love and service.

JoAnn is survived by her beloved husband Norman “Errol” Genta, 80, sisters Renee Smith and LaTawn Wolfley, and brother Blaine Erickson. She leaves behind daughter JoEllen G. Taylor (Jim) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, sons Thomas E. Genta (Stacey) of Middleton, Idaho, Scott Erickson Genta (Nancy) of Chandler, Arizona, Gregory Norman Genta (Elizabeth) of West Hills, California, and daughter Wendy A. Ashilman (Shane) of Caldwell, Idaho. She is the best grandmother ever to twelve grandchildren with one on the way, and three great grandchildren. JoAnn had a cute dimple in her chin and when each new grandchild joined the family she checked their chin for a dimple. She was a beloved Aunt to many nieces and Nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother DeVon.

While adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures, (wearing of masks and a limit in the number of people in facility), friends and family are invited Monday December 21st to a viewing between 11AM and 1PM at:

Alsip Funeral Chapel

404 10th Ave S.

Nampa, ID 83651

A graveside service, with the same Covid-19 precautions in place, will be held at 2PM that same day at:

Middleton Cemetery

23660 Cemetery Rd.

Middleton, ID 83644

A live stream will be available at www.alsippersons.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JoAnn Genta, please visit our floral store.