Joann Spaulding

JoAnn Nielsen Spaulding, 71, passed away on October 16, 2005 from pneumonia. She was surrounded by her family. She was born on November 10, 1933 to Andrew Baxter Nielsen and Ann Walters Nielsen. She was the youngest of five children. JoAnn was raised in the Rigby area and received her education there. She was active in band, drama, and athletics. She was a very talented musician. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as Primary President, Primary Organist, Ward Organist, Relief Society Counselor and many others. JoAnn married the love of her life, Gary Spaulding on July 26, 1957 in St. Anthony, Idaho. They made their home in the Rigby area and later moved to the country where many happy memories were spent with family down at the dry-bed on the property. Her favorite times while raising her girls was taking them to sing at various functions. She would play the piano and the older girls would play flute and the accordion. Holidays at her house was always special and the house was always filled with music. Thanksgiving was a big event and she always welcomed neighbors and others who would be alone. She worked at J.C. Penneys, Fist Security Bank and Jefferson Sherriff’s office as a dispatcher. She spent 10 years as a 4H leader either for animals, cooking or sewing. She served as president of the Bowling Association for three years and most recently has volunteered for the Senior Citizen Center and the Jefferson County Museum. She had a great sense of humor and tried to lift others through it. She showed unconditional love to all and was always happiest if she was surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Gary Spaulding of Rigby and her seven daughters; Sherri (Jim) Hunting of Rigby, Kristy (Kirk) Johnson of Rigby, Karen (Eddie) Bowen of Idaho Falls, Leisa (Scott) Kelsey of Rigby, Mary Ann (Kevin) Stanger of Nampa, Toni (Layne) Dalley of Idaho Falls and Heidi Spaulding of Idaho Falls. A sister Ida Holmgren of Idaho Falls and a brother Dale Nielsen of Sandy, Utah. Her mother-in-law Pearl Spaulding of Idaho Falls, 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Leigh Neilsen, a sister Mary Nordlund, her father-in-law David Spaulding and a great granddaughter Ashlee Reece Monson. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rigby LDS Stake Center. The family will meet with friends Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at the Rigby LDS Stake Center from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery following services.