JoAnn C. (Grave) Ullery passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on January 15, 2026, in Burnet, Texas surrounded by her children.

JoAnn was born on Jan. 12, 1946, in Pipestone, MN to George and Amelia (Symens) Grave. She graduated from Little Rock High School in Little Rock, Iowa in 1964. In 1965 she married Howard Thiesse, and together they shared two children, Deedra Meyer (James), and LaMonte Thiesse (Joni). She later married Charles Ullery, with whom she shared many years until his passing in 2004.

JoAnn built a distinguished career in computer networking, beginning at Dakota State University and later continuing at South Dakota State University. While working at SDSU, she earned her master’s degree and went on to become the Director of University Networking Services, retiring from that role after years of dedicated service.

After retirement, JoAnn briefly lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota before moving to Marana, Arizona with partner Dennis Bobier, where she enjoyed being close to her son and daughter-in-law, forming many new friendships and enjoying her passion for painting. In 2024, she moved to Burnet, Texas, to be near her daughter and son-in-law, who supported her with her health.

JoAnn passed away quietly after celebrating her 80th birthday with family and special friends. She will be remembered for her intelligence, creativity, and the connections she formed throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Rose Zella (Russell) Witzel, brother Durvard (Carol) Grave, husband Chuck, and many special nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Brookings later this year.