JoAnne Honey, beloved daughter, wife, mother, granny, sister and friend passed peacefully away on September 22, 2021 at the age of 95. Born in Castle Gate, Utah on July 26, 1926 to Lorin Burton Henderson and Ellen Ford Henderson, JoAnne was the youngest of the kids. When she was a toddler the family returned to Kanab where she was raised, attended local schools and graduated from Kanab High School.

     JoAnne was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed serving in several callings. She had a love for our Savior and the gospel. She prayed often and could be heard counting her blessings aloud at the beginning and end of each day.

     JoAnne married her high school sweetheart Donald Arthur Honey, on November 22, 1944 in Las Vegas, Nevada and soon after joined him in California for his army basic training at Fort Ord during WWII. On their 50th Wedding Anniversary, their union was solemnized in the St George Temple. They adored each other and she has missed him terribly since his passing in 2007. What a wonderful reunion there must have been with her eternal companion.

     Not long after the end of WWII, Don’s work with Kaibab Industries took them to House Rock Valley and for the next five years they worked hard there to provide for their expanding family. Soon they returned to their beloved Kanab and purchased a small home. It was added on to many times over the years and remained a cherished place of comfort and respite until her passing.

In her youth, JoAnne worked at Fenton’s Drug store and created lasting friendships with Nell, Athene, Sue and others. They had a lot of fun working and playing together. As her family grew, she was a stay-at-home mom and with Don, exemplified the value of hard work by raising a garden, hauling wood, hanging clothes out and taking care of cows, horses and other animals. Later on, she worked at Aiken’s Lodge, Red Hills Motel and finally Duke’s Clothing for many years, where her innate desire to serve others could really shine.

     The hallmark of JoAnne’s life is service. Throughout her life she tenderly cared for every person within her reach. She loved and nurtured her five children and their spouses, then adored and supported thirty-three grandchildren, seventy-seven great grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren. She has sewn dresses and costumes, pressed innumerable boys shirts, and attended every possible event, large and small, to cheer us on. She lovingly crocheted afghans for many family members and her fried chicken is the best. When Granny JoAnne came to visit there was always a sweet treat or small gift she thought you would enjoy; and she never forgot a birthday or to give that special hug.

     JoAnne loved her plants, cactuses and flowers and most often would be found outside, enjoying the warm sunshine and a beautiful blue sky against the stunning red hills. She loved her view of the K-Hill. There was nowhere in the world she would rather call home.

JoAnne is survived by her children; Burton and Susie Honey of Panguitch, Utah; Brian and ZoRae Honey of Evanston, Wyoming; Greg and Hazel Honey of Fredonia, Arizona; Terril and Erica Honey of Kanab, Utah, Lisa and John King of Cedar City, Utah; and her many grand and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Don, parents, and siblings Ellen Henderson, Madge and Norman Atkin, and Reed and Elda Henderson.

     Funeral Services will be held at the Kanab Stake Center on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 12:00 noon. Friends and family may join in a viewing prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:45 am, also at the Kanab Stake Center. Interment will be in the Kanab City Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.

     Our family wishes to express sincere gratitude to those who have shown kindness to our mother and have gone out of their way to help her live on her own for so many years. A special thanks to the physicians and nurses for their excellent care in her final few days.

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