JoAnn Barney Ipson

JoAnn Barney Ipson, 77, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024 in Washington, Utah, after a long illness. The eldest of four children, she was born in Cedar City on June 1, 1947 to Layton R. and Floriene Barton Barney. She grew up in Hatch and attended school there and in nearby Panguitch, where she graduated from high school in 1965. It was in the seventh grade that she met her future husband, Don L. Ipson. They were married on November 11, 1965 in the St. George Latter-day Saint temple. The couple would make their home successively in Salt Lake City, Salina, Kanab, Provo, Vernal, Pleasant Grove, Panguitch, and three times in St. George, where they would settle permanently in 1988. They would eventually welcome four sons into the family.

Beyond her extraordinary work as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, JoAnn had a long career in business, first as a bookkeeper at NAPA Auto Parts in Panguitch, then for over thirty years as an office manager and director of payroll and accounts payable at DATS Trucking and Overland Petroleum in the St. George area. She also volunteered her time to the PTA, the Sterling Scholar program, the Lions Club, and other civic organizations.

A lifelong, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, JoAnn fulfilled numerous callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School organizations. In her various positions she proved to be a teacher of uncommon skill and insight, touching countless lives by word and example. With her husband she served a mission for the Church as a humanitarian specialist.

JoAnn will long be remembered for her quiet and selfless service to others. She took great pleasure in finding perfect gifts for loved ones and never hesitated to sacrifice her own comfort and interests for those of her family. Perhaps no mother ever logged more miles driving to sporting events, concerts, and other activities. She adored spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Possessed of a sly and sometimes unexpected sense of humor, she never failed to delight those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Craig (Terry) Barney. She is survived by her husband; sons David (Karen), Dale (Jolene), Danny (Jenny), and Doug; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren (with two more on the way); and sisters Joyce (Vic) Gordon and Doris (Spencer) Hawkins.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staffs of Ovation assisted living and Zion's Way Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional care during JoAnn's final months.

A viewing will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary (110 S. Bluff St., St. George), on Sunday, December 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. and at the St. George Stake Center (591 W. 500 N., St. George) on Monday, December 9, at 9:30 A.M. Funeral services will be held at the St. George Stake Center on Monday, December 9, at 11:00 A.M

A live-stream of JoAnn's service will be available at: https://bit.ly/STG10thFunerals

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation via the Great Salt Lake Truck Show (https://www.kidneyut.org/great-salt-lake-truck-show/).

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff St., St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to share memories on JoAnn's digital memorial page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com