Joan Z. Luoto, 76

OCEAN VIEW - Joan Z. Luoto of Ocean View, formerly of Oxford, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. She was 76.

Mrs. Luoto was born in Upper Darby, Pa., on May 1, 1931, daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (MacPhee) LeGar.

She was a retired school bus driver for the Oxford area schools, with over 30 years of service.

Mrs. Luoto enjoyed reading her extensive cookbook collection, knitting and cooking.

She seemed never to meet a stranger and she made many friends.

Mrs. Luoto was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, Ladies Auxiliary member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234 at Quillens Point in Ocean View, Moose Lodge of Roxana, and a member of the Red Hat Society.

She spent most of her time volunteering at the Coastal Leisure Center in Ocean View for the past eight years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Ernest "Ernie" A. Luoto Sr.; four children, Patrick Zaiss and his wife Paula of Kansas City, Mo., David Zaiss of Half Moon Bay, Calif., Michael Zaiss of Concordville, Pa., and Joan Paxson of Lancaster, Pa.; four stepchildren, JoAnn Smith and her husband Edward of Middletown, Ernest Luoto Jr. of Middletown, Linda Luoto of Bridgeport, Pa., and Daniel Luoto and his wife Donna of Conowingo, Md.; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, J.D.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, West Avenue, Ocean View.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Joan's name to the Coastal Leisure Center, P.O. Box 637, Ocean View, DE 19970.