Joan Yvonne Hines

TRACY–Joan Yvonne Hines was born in Watertown, South Dakota, on January 22, 1953, to Ruby Mae Hines, age 26, and Walter Raymond Hines, age 30. She was the second of three children.

In 1963, her family moved to Tracy, Minnesota, where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic school. In 1968, a recorded F5 tornado destroyed much of Tracy. Joan and her family survived by praying in their home’s basement.

Joan married Larry Lee Zvorak of Russell, Minnesota, on June 25, 1971. They had three children, a daughter and two sons, but divorced in 1990.

During the 1980s, Joan taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and played her 12-string guitar frequently for church services. She continued to play guitar and write songs in later life.

In the 1990s, she attended Mankato State University and graduated with a degree in psychology.

At age 38, she had two heart attacks, which began her life’s battle with heart disease.

Joan moved to Marshall and worked for the Marshall Independent newspaper. She later moved to Tracy and lived with her mother while working as a CNA at Prairie View Healthcare Center.

Joan suffered a major stroke in 2014 and moved into Country View Living, where she made many friends and had fond memories.

Joan passed away at 9:12 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Westbrook, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Walter Hines. She is survived by her brothers, Patrick (Eileen) Hines and Michael (Bernadette) Hines; her daughter, RyAnn Morris; her sons, Eddie (Kathy) Zvorak and Aaron Zvorak; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2025.