Obituary: Joan Judkins Vranes

Joan Judkins Vranes 1933 ~ 2007 Surrounded by her family, Joan Judkins Vranes passed away peacefully May 10, 2007 after courageously battling a rare disease, Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy. Joan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah August 29, 1933. She was the first of six children born to Reed and Roselle Stewart Judkins. She attended South and East High before entering the University of Utah. She graduated with a teaching degree in Physical Education and Health. It was at the University that Joan met Lou Vranes, who became the love of her life. They were married September 14, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. As a newlywed, Joan taught school at Highland High and organized the first Pep Club in 1957. Her first three children were close in age; her fourth came eight years later after having a dream about a blue eyed baby. She was proud of each child and found great enjoyment following their careers in basketball, volleyball and track, which included the Utes and the NBA. Joan's elegant beauty was only the beginning. She was smart, quick witted, and a classy dresser. She was known as an organizational wonder, and a meticulous housekeeper right down to her cupboards and drawers. Her unfailing testimony led her to a life of service in the LDS Church, including President of the Young Women, President of the ward and stake Relief Societies, as well as serving an inner city mission with her husband Lou. Earlier in life, Joan survived polio, scarlet fever and endocarditis. Joan's final triumph was the way that she accepted this disease with full trust in the Lord. As her disease progressed, Lou devoted himself to taking care of his sweet and appreciative wife. Their love and commitment blossomed and his tender, loving care for Joan during these many years has been an inspiration to all of us. Joan was preceded in death by her father, Reed B. Judkins; and her brother, Bary Judkins. She is survived by her husband, Lou Vranes; her children, Daniel Vranes (Angie), Vicki Neelemen (David), Shauna Bennee (Peter), John "Hootie"Vranes (Kelly); her mother, Roselle Stewart Judkins (94); her siblings, Kent S. Judkins (Pat), Jill Judkins, Jean Bentley (Frank), Ren Judkins (Lani Lee); almost 28 grandchildren; and three and a half great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at the Mount Olympus Ward, 4125 South Adonis Drive (3930 E.), Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service at the church or from 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2007 at Mountain View Memorial, 3115 East 7800 South (Bengal Blvd.). The interment will also be at Mountain View Memorial. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Care Source for their genuine loving kindness, especially to Debbie, Emily, Joe, Travelle, Regina, Joseph and Dr. Owens.