Joanne "JoJo" Christine Roubos

Joanne “JoJo” Christine Roubos was born on January 4, 1964, in Oakland, California. Her parents, Delbert and Adriana, brought her home to Alameda where she was welcomed by her 3 older siblings Judy, Jim, and June. JoJo overcame many medical complications doing the first six years of her life and had open heart surgery at age 13. Her parents were very innovative in their care for a child with Down Syndrome and gave JoJo every opportunity to thrive in life. At her parents’ home she was the chief dishwasher. JoJo was a comedian who often would entertain her family and friends with her antics.

She was one of the first participants in the Alameda Special Olympics, competing in bowling and track and field events. She loved to swim. JoJo represented Alameda at the State Games and often had her picture in the newspaper. She attended the Alameda Special Education Program and received a certificate of completion from Alameda High School. She was a baptized member of the Alameda Christian Reformed Church who brought great delight and joy to the congregation.

Joanne resided in Alameda until she was 23 years old. She moved to a group home in Clovis in 1987 and remained there until 1993 when she moved to a care home in Madera Ranchos. From 2000 until 2008 she lived in Madera where she enjoyed attending Heartland day program. She lived the rest of her life at Sierra Salem Christian Homes in Modesto where she found her second family. She decorated her room with her favorite animal – giraffes or “Pias” as she called them.

JoJo’s daily routine at Sierra Salem included a video chat with her sister June and a trip to McDonald’s for a soda. She always needed to have a dollar bill in her wallet. At her home she liked to do chores along with the staff, often grabbing a mop out of staff hands, folding clothes, loading the dishwasher, or taking the trash bag out of the can. Occasionally, she was mischievous and would self-correct by saying “I behave” and “I’m a good, good girl.”. She had a contagious smile and laugh. Most of all JoJo loved to give hugs and kisses – never just one!

JoJo passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023. She was surrounded by family when she flew home to Jesus. It was a very peaceful end to a wonderful person who loved as much as she was loved. There was no one quite like JoJo!

Deegan-Ripon Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Roubos Family. 

A graveside service will take place at Ripon Cemetery on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon at 1:00PM.

There will be a reception to follow at 742 Palm Ave in Ripon.

In remembrance of JoJo, please consider making a memorial donation to Sierra Salem Christian homes at: https://www.sierrasalemchristianhomes.org/donate