Joanne Van Liew Udy, age 91, passed away on June 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. A woman of quiet devotion and unwavering faithfulness, she leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and care that touched everyone who knew her.
Joanne was born on December 18, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Roscoe Van Liew and Alice Shaw. As the daughter of a career naval officer, her childhood took her to many places, including Washington DC, Colorado, Maryland, Trinidad, Virginia, and California. She later attended the University of Utah, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honor societies. She was also a member of
the Alpha Phi women’s sorority. During her time at the university, she met Lex Lynn Udy on a blind date, and upon graduating with her degree in Sociology, the two were married on December 29,1956.
After a brief period in Dayton, Ohio, where Lex fulfilled his ROTC Air Force assignment, the couple returned to Salt Lake City and made their home in the Canyon Rim and Holladay areas. Joanne was a devoted mother to five children and a meticulous homemaker. She faithfully transported her children to countless activities, maintained a household job chart to teach responsibility, and kept the family organized with her beloved calendar and many lists. She stayed actively involved in the local and district PTA throughout her kids’ school years.
While living on Ledgemont Drive, Joanne became known for hosting an annual neighborhood summer party, a well‑loved tradition that brought friends and families together year after year.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joanne served in ward and stake Relief Society presidencies as well as in other church organizations. Her greatest passion was family history. She devoted countless hours to researching and connecting ancestors, blessing generations with her dedication. She and Lex also served a full‑time mission in the Asia Area Office, living in Hong Kong and reporting to the Area President, Cree-L Kofford—an experience that became a cherished highlight of their lives. She subsequently served as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple for five years.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading (she borrowed and read three books from the county library every three weeks), and crocheting. She had a subtle sense of humor and was loved by all who knew her. A natural caregiver, she offered quiet, steady support to those around her. Even in her final days, her mind remained sharp—asking about specific details of family events and everyday happenings. She served others without fanfare and was most comfortable in the background, lifting and loving in ways that often went unseen. Her influence will be felt on both sides of the veil forever.
Joanne is survived by her husband, Lex; her five children, Suzanne (Rob) Colvin, Kenneth (Joanne) Udy, Ross (Tammy) Udy, LeAnn (Doug) Bean, and JoLynn (Darin) Butler; her sister, Lynda Miller of Eldridge, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great‑grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Dennis Van Liew, and one granddaughter.
The family will visit with friends and loved ones on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the missionary or humanitarian funds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.