JoAnne C. Watrous

1936 ~ 2022

JoAnne Christensen Watrous passed away December 3, 2022 from causes incident to age. JoAnne was born July 23, 1936 to Ernest and Mildred B. Christensen in Herriman, Utah. She graduated from Granite High School in 1954. She married Earl R. Watrous November 26, 1954. They were married for almost 60 years before his passing on May 29, 2014.

She worked as a legal secretary for various lawyers and the Salt Lake County Attorney’s Office for over 20 years. She went to work for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 1976. She was executive secretary to Sheriff Pete Hayward from 1979 – 1991 and to Sheriff Aaron Kennard from 1991 – 1997 where she retired after 21 years of service.

Her proudest accomplishment was her family. She was the last of a generation of Matriarchs and she truly was the glue that held our family together. She was always there to support everyone in whatever endeavor, however large or small. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. She always made you feel loved, special and accepted. She didn’t ask if you were coming to a family gathering, she told you what time to be there.

Thank you, Mom, for all your love, advice, support, and acceptance! You are truly irreplaceable!

JoAnne is survived by her sons Jeff, Brant, and Dirk (Amanda) Watrous, grandchildren Darin (Teri) Watrous who was raised as a son, Zach (Audrey) Watrous, Brantly (Meghan) Watrous, Mitchell Watrous, Chelsea Cook, Brianne (Cody) Petersen and Ashley (Chuck) Luna, great grandchildren Addison Watrous, Luke Earl Watrous, Demi Jo Watrous, Lennon Watrous, Lia Petersen, Saige Petersen, Brielle Petersen, Ryli Luna, Kambri Luna, Jack Luna, Jack Cook and Avery Cook. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Shauna Watrous, brothers Dick, Jerry, Leon and Kearns Christensen and sister Maureen Bangerter.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, UT. A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT from 12:30 – 1:30 pm on Friday prior to the services.


Guestbook/Condolences

Grandma Jo was a grandma to so many, myself included. What an exceptional woman, with so much love to give everyone she met. She was compassionate and welcoming to all, and was so proud of her family - for exactly who they are as individuals, which speaks volumes to the unconditional love she gives.

She is a great example of independence and courage and I hope to embody some of her amazing traits in my own life. She will be missed by so many, myself included. My thoughts are with the entire Watrous family.


- Emily Robison

One of the most gracious ladies I have ever met. JoAnne was always there to listen, guide calm the soul. She has and will always be remembered with fondness. Rest in Peace sweet lady, your journey and wonderful new life is only just beginning.


- Stephen Grogan

Sincere condolences Dirk on the passing of your Mother. She was truly a great lady who treated everyone well and always had a smile for whomever she met.


- Rod Lowry

Darin, sorry to hear of the passing of your grandmother/Mother. She was such a beautiful person and gentle soul; she will be greatly missed and i will always cherish my friendship and memories of her. My thoughts and prays are with you and your family!


- Melvin F Ballard

JoAnne was an incredible woman. She was so kind, friendly, talented and humble. She was a pleasure to work with and I have often thought of her with so much fondness over the years. My sincere condolences to her family.


- Jan R Middleton

Your mom and mine were good friends for many years. My mom, Joyce Eckman Snider, truly loved yours and often spoke of her. They spent many breaks and lunches together through their many years at the Sheriff's Office. I'm sure there was plenty of laughter.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.
Tracy Houston, Dispatch


- Tracy Houston

My mom has always enjoyed the visits with JoAnne, and would always talk about how much she appreciated her friendship. Such a strong and sweet person. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time.


- Michelle Schow Simmons & Norma Jean Schow