Our sweet, kind, loving, and spunky mother passed away October 14, 2018 after a long valiant fight with Alzheimer's. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. She always had been that type of person.
Joann was born August 17, 1935 to Joseph and Ellen Rawlins. She was their third child and the only girl. Joseph passed away in 1949, when Joann was just 14 years old. Because of his early death, her young life with filled with a close relationship with her mom and brothers. She was born and spent time in Bingham Canyon, Paradise and finally settled in South Salt Lake for several years.
She met and married Rodney Brown (later divorced). Together they had four children; Roby (deceased) (Karen), Jolyn (Jeff), Kimberley (Claire), and her special son Terry. Later in life, she met and married Richard Thomas and his family of six more kids. Richard, Larry, Peggy, Nancy, Robert and Lillian. They made their home in West Valley where she has lived in the same house where three generations of children have spent their holiday events. She was a fabulous mom, not only to her kids, but to everyone's children.
She was always involved with the Mormon Church. She and Richard were also leaders in the square-dancing community. They used their involvement to also enjoy their love of travelling all around the U.S. for dancing conventions.
She is survived not only by her numerous children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other relatives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Special thanks to the past and present employees of Osmond Senior Living and the volunteers who helped in her last years. Mom was a unique soul and made the lives of everyone who knew her more complete.
There will be a viewing Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East 10600 South from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at the Granger West 4th Ward, 3305 South 3960 West (Scottsdale Drive), West Valley City, UT on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 12 Noon with a viewing one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Alzheimer Association.
