Joan Thelma Greathouse Van Dam, 91, Beloved Mother, Grandmother and friend passed peacefully away to her eternal rest on March 30, 2020, at The Sheridan in South Jordan in South Jordan, Utah. She was born on August 1, 1928, in Magna, Utah to Oscar W. and Alice A. Cook Greathouse. She grew up in Magna and attended Cyprus High School. Shemarried Jerrold (Jerry) D. Van Dam on November 10, 1952. They raised their four children-Kristine Wilkes (Ron), Karen Goff (Dennis), Anna Lea Coturri (Wayne) and Dave Van Dam (Deb Stone).
Joan was never afraid of hard work and she would always strive to do her best and to improve herself. She had a strong will, a sharp wit and infectious sense of humor which served her well throughout her life. Besides raising four children, she worked periodically as a waitress. In 1965, she started working at IML Freight in the office and worked there until she retired to take care of her ill husband. After the passing of her husband, she served as a volunteer at the Cottonwood Hospital in Murray and later at the Intermountain Medical Center. She also served on the auxiliary board of the volunteers and served as president for a term. She loved the work and the wonderful people she served with for 25 years. Joan was an avid outdoorswoman. She loved fishing, hiking and her heaven on earth Cabin in Samak, Utah. She hosted many gatherings of her friends and family there. Joan also was an artist. She painted many beautiful pictures. Joan loved to interact with people. She made friends wherever she went. Her greatest joy was her family. She provided many meaningful times and fun activities and traditions for them. She will truly be missed.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and siblings-Lillian Greathouse Maxwell, Delbert Greathouse and Elmer Greathouse. Joan is survived by her four children and thirteen grandchildren-Rebecca, Cindy, Tina, Holly, Wendy, Katie, Shawn, DeeAnn, Jeremy, Ian, Callie, Jessica, and Jacob and her twenty-eight great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Families are forever. Rest in Peace, beloved Joan.
The family wishes to thank the staff at The Sheridan at South Jordan for their loving care of her. A special thanks to Trina Anderson. We also wish to thank those who provided gentle care for Joan from her AFI Hospice team.
Private innichement. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time due to COVID -19.
