Joan was born on August 6, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the fourth daughter of Floyd Andrew Woolsey and Dorothy Hilda Proctor. Joan's childhood was challenging; shortly after her birth, her mother left the family and Joan was sent to live with relatives in Idaho for a short time. Then she was raised by her father and 4 older sisters. She often attended school with her older sisters because there was no one to care for her at home. When she was 8 years old her father married Marjorie Jean Adams, who loved and accepted her just as her own. She was so grateful to finally have a mother in her life. Joan's life continued to improve as Floyd and Marjorie went on to have two daughters and a son. To this day, her younger sister Lorene remains her best friend.
She fell head over heels in love with Corny Van Ry. They met in elementary school and started dating while attending Madison Jr. High when they were 14 years old. On April 11, 1953, Joan Woolsey and Cornelius Van Ry were married. Later they were sealed for time and all eternity on March 30, 1971, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they had 10 children, 59 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Joan learned the importance of hard work and self-reliance from her father at a very young age. She was always meticulous in everything she did. She took great pride in maintaining her home and beautiful yard. She was always so put together down to her signature scent of Chanel No. 5.
She had a unique way of noticing others' needs and helping them behind the scenes. She NEVER sought praise and any acknowledgment would make her uncomfortable. Her life was marked by humble service and gratitude.
Joan was known for her cleanliness and found satisfaction in deep cleaning. She was always experimenting with new gadgets or cleaning tools and loved to share them. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t fix with a little duct tape, caulk, or super glue (or a lot). She was proud to have worked at the college in the computer lab and taught others how to use computers. She was always welcoming of visitors but, you’d know a visit may include following her around while she ironed, vacuumed the gutters, or planted in the garden. There was always something to be done and she didn’t sit still.
Despite her serious commitment to supporting Publishers Clearing House, material possessions held little importance to Joan. If you complimented something she owned, she’d often insist you take it. No one ever left empty-handed.
Her strong testimony of paying tithing and the power of prayer was something she diligently passed on to her children. Joan gave her children a gift she never had: a sense of security. She ensured they had everything she lacked growing up, instilling in them self-confidence and self-worth. She took pride in her ability to sew or mend clothing. Joan's sewing skills were exceptional; she made her children's clothes, including beautiful dresses, pajamas, and Halloween costumes. They could have easily been sold in department stores.
Nothing brought her more joy than her family. She was so proud of her posterity and saw the best in all of us. These last 4 years she has ached for her best friend and eternal partner. Her family is so happy for her. We hope she finally knows just how special and loved she’s always been.
Joan is survived by her children Sherrie Lynn Larsen, Jill Jeannette (Craig) Pendleton, Joni Lee (Keith) Holdaway, Cornelius (Uriel) Van Ry III, Carolyn (Don) Williams, Traci (Kirt) Ehlers, and William Andrew "Billy" (Tally) Van Ry. Her sisters Lorene (Hal) Eatchel and Lois (Dave) Clark, and brother Bill (Tammie) Woolsey and brother-in-law Jack (Cherie) Van Ry and her 4-legged companion and best friend over the past few years Tilly (who ate everything Joan ate, and everything she didn’t).
Joan has been happily reunited with her husband Cornelius and their three babies Debra, Corrie-Ann, and Steven. Her parents, her sisters Marj (Dan) Lockhart, Carolyn (Don) Fraser, Sally (Bill) Davies, her son-in-law Steven Merriam Larsen, her granddaughter Julie Larsen, her great-grandson Samson Larsen, and many other loved ones.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 12:00 PM, July 1, 2024, at the Taylorsville Stake Center - 4845 South Woodhaven Drive, Taylorsville, Utah 84123.
A viewing will precede the funeral at the same location on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm and on Monday from 11:00-11:45 am.
