Joan Western

Joan Wilcox Western, 78, of Payson, Utah passed away June 3 at the Elk Ridge Assisted Living Facility. Her passing was due to complications from diabetes and renal failure.



Joan Wilcox was born in Bridgeport, Nebraska November 19, 1939 to Rex and Cecelia Wilcox. Her father was the first convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area and served as a branch president until his death.



Joan was introduced to Jerry Western through his brother who was serving a Church mission in the area. At that time Jerry was in the Army. After corresponding, and then meeting, they married in the Los Angeles, California temple.



While living in southern California, Joan worked as a deputy clerk of the Pomona Municipal Court, real estate agent, and plan check technician for the City of Pomona. Joan served in multiple callings in the LDS Church, but was best known and sought after for her cooking. Joan was a life-long great cook and even won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow award while in high school. She also enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing, and making friends.



Joan is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jerry Western; children Russell (Joy) of Wildomar, California; Steven of Palm Desert, California; Kristine (Ken) of Salem, Utah; Rex of Mira Loma, California; and Jerry of Riverton, Utah as well as 27 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, sister Diane Dayley (Newell) and brothers Rex (Patricia) and Gerald (Jeanette) Wilcox.



Funeral services will be Saturday, June 23, 2018, 11:00am, at the LDS church, 711 South 600 East, Payson, Utah. The services will be preceded by a visitation from 9:30 until 10:45 at the same location. Joan will be interred in the Payson City Cemetery immediately following the service.



The family would like to thank the special close friends who brought joy into her life through their visits and kind service.