JoAnn Ruth (Wehnes) Moya also known as the Candy and Cake Lady, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on May 11, 2018.  JoAnn was born in Rapid City, South Dakota to Lela and Henry Wehnes (deceased).  As one of the first family homesteaders to settle in the badlands of South Dakota, she was one of eleven children raised on the family farm.

She met the love of her life Tony J. Moya while stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base.  They married in 1951 during Tony's Air Force Career.  They traveled the world with their six children.

During the Vietnam War, because of the hardship of raising their family on her own, she was instrumental with her persistent phone calls and letter writing to the President, the local government and with the help of the Red Cross, was able to shorten Tony's tour of duty.  After serving 22 years in the Air Force, Tony retired in 1969.  Together they moved and settled in Lompoc where they made their home.  JoAnn earned her Lompoc High School diploma while she worked at Olsen's Drugs.  There she gained her business knowledge.  In 1974, JoAnn and Tony bought McFarlane's Candy Shop and eventually it was changed to JoAnn's Fine Candies and Cakes.  Joann's was widely recognized and soon became the Sweetest Place in town.  The store participated in fundraisers and giving back to the community.  The family operated a business where their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had the opportunity to learn to wait on customers and see the ins and out of running a business.  In 2011, Lompoc got a little less sweet after JoAnn and Tony closed their doors for good.

After retirement, JoAnn was diagnosed with vascular dementia, a battle she fought for five years that eventually took her sweet life.

JoAnn is survived by her devoted husband Tony J. Moya, their children Kimberly and Raymond Ochoa, Michael and Joann Moya, Mark Moya, Toni and Jim Peppler, Vincent Moya and Christopher Moya and their families.

A vigil will be held Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 7 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with a funeral mass on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 10 am at La Purisima Catholic Church. A reception will be at the Events Mission Valley, 138 North B Street, Lompoc following the mass.