JoAnn Hall Ivory

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, JoAnn Hall Ivory, age 85, returned home peacefully on January 3, 2026. JoAnn was born on March 29, 1940, in Payson, Utah, the third of eight children born to Ross and Virginia Hall. She grew up in the quiet beauty of Mapleton, Utah, where she developed the welcoming and selfless nature that would define her entire life.

JoAnn attended Springville High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Thomas Ivory. They were sealed for time and all eternity on April 15, 1959, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, living in Tacoma, Washington, and St. George, Utah, before eventually returning to Springville to raise their family. For 63 years, JoAnn and Tom were inseparable, sharing a bond so strong that Tom would patiently wait on any bench just to be near her while she shopped.

A woman of remarkable energy and dedication, JoAnn worked as a buyer for Haywards Clothing early in her life and then moved to the medical field which she loved and was very skilled in. Her professional care for others was a natural extension of her personal life; she was a master of hospitality who believed no visitor should ever leave her home without being fed. Her presence and spunky nature truly lit up a room, and she had a rare gift for making everyone in her company feel uniquely special.

JoAnn was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served with great love in many capacities, including as a Relief Society president, ward missionary, primary teacher and ultimately a temple worker with her husband. Her life was a testament to Christlike service and enduring faith.

Whether she was cooking a Sunday dinner or offering a warm embrace, her family always knew they were her highest priority. Sunday dinners were always a must, and she was famous for her homemade noodles. JoAnn’s favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve, when she invited everyone to her Christmas Eve buffet, to which literally hundreds of people came and enjoyed for decades.

Family was JoAnn’s greatest joy. Known affectionately as "Grandma Jody," she cherished her 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, leaving them with a legacy of unconditional love, service, gratitude, and “sparkle”. Even in her final moments, her parting words remained her signature goodbye: “love you more”.

She is preceded in death by her eternal companion, Thomas Ivory; her parents; her sister, Roslyn Hall; and her son-in-law, Gary Mortensen. She is survived by her three children: Tamara (Kevin) Coleman, Sandra Mortensen, and Randall (Kristen) Ivory; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her siblings: Barbara Jensen, Linda Lundwall, Alan Hall, Wayne Hall, Debra Livingston, and David Hall.

Funeral services to celebrate JoAnn's life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel located at 1627 Cadbury Lane, Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.