Obituary: MORTENSEN, JOAN

Joan Lamoreaux Mortensen1937 ~ 2013Parowan, UtahAfter a full and vibrant life of 76 years, Joan Lamoreaux Mortensen our wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friendpassed away on the 25th of September, 2013, in Beaver, Utah. The second of five children, Joan was born in Parowan, Utah on May 25, 1937, to the late Joseph and Hilma Robinson Lamoreaux of Paragonah, Utah. Joan was raised in Paragonah and enjoyed an eventful (and occasionally mischievous) childhood with her brothers, sisters, and friends. She graduated from Parowan High School and lived her entire adult life in Parowan. Joan married Ronald Mitchell Mortensen on August 27, 1955. They were wed at her parents' home in Paragonah. Their marriage of twenty-two years ended with Ron's passing in 1977. Joan later married Thomas Crane Pierpont in Lake Tahoe, California, on June 12, 1989. They enjoyed nearly ten years together until Tom preceded her in death in 1998.Joan lived life to the fullest. She was active in the Parowan and Brian Head communities and served as chairman of the Iron County Fair for many years. Her entrepreneurial spirit, admirable work ethic, and abundance of energy allowed her to own and operate High Country Realty (offices in Parowan and Brian Head), Brian Head Condo Reservations, and the Wash House Laundromat in Parowan. To fill the rest of her spare time, she was a partner in Brian Head Local Storage, High Country Property Management, and the Brian Head General Store. Joan enjoyed everything the world had to offer, from shopping and traveling to good food and books. She loved horses and always kept at least one in the back lot corral at her home. Joan had a true zest for life and was happiest when sharing her time, resources, and sense of humor with friends, family, and anyone who needed help.Joan was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph "Robin" Lamoreaux. She is survived by: her sons, Russell (Leslie) Mortensen of Parowan, UT and Gordon (LueShell) Mortensen of San Jose, CA; by her four granddaughters, Jossie (Karl) Schauerhamer of Las Vegas, NV; McKenzie Mortensen of San Jose, CA; Whitney (Quintin) Mortensen of Salt Lake City, UT; and Ashley (Hayden) Bryant of Las Vegas; and by her two great-grandchildren. Joan is also survived by three siblings, Gaytha (Joe) Benson of Beaver, UT; Duane (Sonya) Lamoreaux of St. George, UT; and Mina Brown of Phoenix, AZ; by many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and by her dear friend and companion, Jim Ortler of Brian Head, UT. Joan will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. A memorial service will be held on Monday, the 30th of September at 11:00 a.m. in the Paragonah LDS Chapel, immediately followed by a cemetery plot dedication at the Parowan City Cemetery. Visitations will be held on Sunday the 29th of September from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and prior to the memorial service on the 30th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., both at the Paragonah LDS chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, (435) 986-9100. Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.CremationCenterSU.com, or www.SereniCareofStGeorge.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:Team Parowan Relay For Life: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1165, Parowan, UT 84761. Please make check payable to the American Cancer Society. Sub For Santa Parowan City, P.O. Box 1165, Parowan, UT 84761. Please make check payable to Parowan City/Sub for Santa.