JoAn Thompson, 91, passed away on April 16,2024 at Orchard View Assisted Living in Payson, Utah. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Dr. Joseph E. Thompson. She was born on April 26, 1932 to Roland and Ada Olmstead in Salt Lake City, Utah. She had a happy childhood growing up with her three sisters (Carolyn, Patricia and Shirley). As quoted by JoAn, “I had the best childhood I could ever have had. I climbed trees, sold lilacs, bushels of pears, peaches, puppies and Girl Scout Cookies. I enjoyed selling things.”
JoAn graduated from Granite High School and Seminary in Salt Lake City, and attended Brigham Young University in Provo, where she earned two years of college credits. She played the violin in the Granite High, McCune School of Music, and BYU orchestras. While a student at BYU she met her husband to be, and they were married on July 11, 1952 in the Logan LDS Temple. They were blessed with 4 sons and 1 daughter. JoAn has been a fine example of love, service, and compassion as she raised her family and served in Church callings – all her adult life she served in Primary as a teacher and a Den Mother in Cub Scouts.
She is survived by her children: Stephen & wife Donna of Naples, Florida; William of Spanish Fork, Utah; Lawrence & wife AnnMarie of Tacoma, Washington; James & wife Sheryl of Salem, Utah; and MaryAnn of Payson, Utah. Grandchildren: Philippe, Amber, Audrey, Patrick, Ashley, Andrea, Mariah, Priscilla, Jacob, Ammon, Nathan, Quincy, Jessica, Nicolle, Sharsten, Tori, Scott, Daisy & Rosie. JoAn has 22 Greatgrandchildren.
Services for a Celebration of JoAn’s Life will be held April 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Payson 9th Ward Meetinghouse, 1080 South 930 West, Payson, Utah. Viewing at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the same location. Graveside Service follow at Spanish Fork Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, JoAn requested that those interested may send a donation in her memory to: RAH, 815 North 800 West, Provo, UT 84604 (RAH is an acronym for Recreation and Habilitation Services, which JoAn and her daughter MaryAnn participated in for many years, and is committed to Making Life Better for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as for the families who care for them).
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Sterling... says
April 24, 2024 at 4:36 pmI had the pleasure of growing up with the kids, they lived across the street from me.. alot of fun times.. Joe was one of my teachers in middle school, great guy..I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother.. take comfort in each other at this difficult time.. she’s with Joe now..!
Valerie Jueschke says
April 26, 2024 at 3:51 amMy cousin JoAn and her sisters were our next door neighbors who pampered us and shared their teen lives with us. We were always in awe of their cuteness and competence. Last November, JoAn and I sat on an old couch in front of the Payson home of our ancestors and shared hugs and love along with many other cousins. Love those Olmstead women!
Bonnie Ballard RN says
May 2, 2024 at 4:24 pmOh sweet Joan. She spent a lot of time with my elderly patients visits and helping them get to and from places. She always had a smile for me and a hug. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. Bonnie.