Joan Valene Hammar

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Joan's grand adventure began on May 9, 1942 at her home in Huntington, Utah with her parents, Lavon and Aileen Powell.  Joan joined her three brothers, Jay, Steve and Reed and two sisters, Betty Lou and Fay, on their journey, with two more sisters, Vickie and Paula, coming after her.

As a child, Joan was timid and shy and she was scared of the dark her whole life.  She never liked being alone and was grateful for her sister, Vickie, who would always go places with her, even to the outhouse with her in the night.  She was not always grateful for her brothers who would throw rocks or pound on the doors when she was in there.  Joan loved running track, was in the drama club and pretended to play the saxophone during high school because it was the only way she would get to go on the band trip with her girlfriends.  The cute boys might have also been an incentive. Joan had a lot of friends and was quick witted and often the life of the party.  She loved sharing funny stories from childhood with her children and grandchildren, and laughed with us as we talked about the crazy things she did.

After Joan graduated from high school, her adventure continued in Provo, Utah, where she attended BYU.  This is where she met Don.  Don was a bit of a scoundrel and spent a lot of time at Joan's apartment where he allowed her to feed him, wash and iron his clothes, and maybe steal a kiss or two, even before they were officially dating.  Joan had a few moments in her life where she firmly put her foot down and one of them was when she told Don he could either date her or move on.  He couldn't know then how much his life would be changed for the better when he chose her.  They married on September 4, 1964 and were married for 59 years.

Joan's adventure included many beautiful mountains climbed and some deep valleys traversed but she lived her life loving everyone around her.  She and Don had five children and she dedicated her life to providing them the best of care; birthday breakfast, dinner and dessert every year for every family member; support and encouragement during every disappointment; and celebrations for every success were a given. She was the first one we called, no matter the news, and she always let us know, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is even if we're apart…I'll always be with you."

Gma Joanie, as she was lovingly known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, had a special affinity for the young and tender souls sent to this earth.  Nothing gave her more joy than tending every baby, toddler, preteen and teen sent to our family and she often took the place of her children (the parents) when they were distracted, busy or even perhaps a little to angry to handle a situation.  She was very protective of little hearts and each grandchild was required to hug her hello and goodbye at every visit and were always reminded that she loved them "to the moon and back."  She was game to leave her more comfortable and known path in order to follow them in their adventures and, just so you know, they are all her favorite!

Along every pathway she traveled on her journey, she gathered companions who wanted to travel with her. She was known for adopting everyone she met as one of her own and once adopted, they had a place in her heart forever. Each son-in-law and daughter-in-law became her child and was given the same unconditional love and devotion she gave those born to her.  Daughters from other countries, hairstylists, order takers at her favorite soda place, cleaning ladies, newlyweds who lived in their basement, and so many more also became part of her family and she loved and listened, supported and encouraged, and above all, she testified to them of her love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father every chance got.

Joan was a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served in a variety of callings but most important she lived her life in a way that helped others feel and understand the unconditional love of our Father in Heaven and His divine son, Jesus Christ.  They were by her side through every up and down of her life and she has now joined them again in her true home.

Family members who finished their adventure before Joan include her parents, Lavon and Aileen Powell, her brothers Jay, Reed and Steven, and her sisters Betty, Fay and Paula.

Those who have to continue this life adventure without her include her sweetheart of all time, Donald Hammar, her best friend and sister, Vickie Powell (Doug) Leslie, children Bryan (Ruth) Hammar, Kari  (David) Daniels, Kirsten (Bob) Griggs, Kathy (Justin) Egbert, and Mark (Megan) Hammar, her 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the Rexburg East Stake Center located at 387 South 4th East, Rexburg, Idaho.  There will be a viewing on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 pm and Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 am at the same location.  Interment will follow the funeral at the Rexburg Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com