JoAnn Dunn

JoAnn Thomas Dunn passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, in Murray, Utah. She was born on April 29, 1933, in Goshen, Utah, the eighth of ten children born to Wilford Sherwin and Ruth Rowe Thomas. JoAnn loved growing up in the small town of Goshen, where she embarked on many mischievous adventures and made lasting memories with family and dear friends. No matter where life took her, Goshen was always home.

JoAnn attended school in Goshen and later graduated from Payson High School. She also attended Stevens-Henager Business School for a time. From a young age, JoAnn had a strong desire to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That desire was fulfilled when she was called to serve in the Finland Helsinki Mission. She was among the first sister missionaries from the United States to serve there. Learning the language was a great challenge for her, but she served faithfully and grew deeply through the experience. The influence of her mission extended long after she returned home, and she often shared stories of her service and her love for the Finnish people.

Following her mission, JoAnn worked at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. During this time, she met her eternal companion, Richard Dunn. They were set up by her father, and at first JoAnn thought Dick was a salesman. As she came to know him, she realized he was nothing but a true gentleman. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 27, 1961, and settled in Tooele, Utah, where they spent most of their lives together.

JoAnn and Dick were blessed with five children, whom they raised in the gospel. They taught their children the value of service, hard work, and faith, and created cherished family memories through camping trips, visits to Lagoon, and creative time together such as the annual tradition of burning Christmas trees.

JoAnn enjoyed sewing and reading, faithfully followed the prophet, and loved singing along with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Serving others brought her great joy. Throughout her life, she served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Blazer B Leader, Young Women’s Leader, Primary Leader, Relief Society President for a local nursing home, and numerous other roles. She was also active in the PTA and served as a room mother for many years while her children attended elementary school.

JoAnn was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Family members often asked her to pray for them and to exercise her faith on their behalf. They always knew that she loved them unconditionally and prayed for them, regardless of the paths they chose.

JoAnn had a calm, loving presence that made everyone feel like her favorite child or grandchild. She treasured being a grandmother and delighted in time spent with her family. Ginger cookies were often ready when loved ones stopped by. She lovingly made quillows for each grandchild and quilted baby blankets, hoping they would one day be passed on to future generations.

JoAnn is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Dunn of Murray, Utah; her children, Paul (Stacey) Dunn of Cole Strip, Montana; Dan (Pam) Dunn of Springville, Utah; Ruth Dunn Sharp of Taylorsville, Utah; Stephen (Jessica) Dunn of Woods Cross, Utah; and Lucinda (Brad) Wade of Bountiful, Utah; 28 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sherry Bell and Leann Larsen; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 253 S. 200 E. in Tooele, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, January 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service, both at the church. Burial will follow at the Tooele City Cemetery.

Friends and Family unable to attend may watch the service remotely on JoAnn’s obituary page at tatemortuary.com

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Harmony Home Health Care and The Auberge at Aspen Park for their compassionate and loving care.

Families are forever. We know JoAnn has been reunited with loved ones, and we look forward to the day we will see her again. We love you, Mom!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the missionary fund for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or your favorite charity.