JoAnn Wells Zwahlen, 73, of Wellington, UT, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
JoAnn was born on June 12, 1949, to James Raymond Wells Sr. and Betty Jean Johnson Wells. She grew up in Wellington, UT, and cherished the time she spent with her cousins on her grandparents’ farm in Victor.
In 1979 JoAnn met Rowe Zwahlen and the two were married on August 4, 1979, in the Manti Temple.
JoAnn began her marriage with 3 stepdaughters and a granddaughter who she loved as her own. Rowe and JoAnn were later blessed with a son and daughter.
She loved learning and attended Wellington Elementary, Wellington Jr. High, Carbon High School, and the College of Eastern Utah. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 1972 with a degree in Elementary Education.
JoAnn’s first teaching job was in Mexican Hat, Utah, where she learned a great love for the Navajo people and their culture. After returning to Carbon County in 1977 she continued teaching in various capacities. She taught 1 st , 4 th , and 6 th grades at Wellington Elementary School, she taught preschool for several years, and taught 6 th and 7 th grade Language Arts at Westridge Middle School. JoAnn treasured her students and colleagues and retired from teaching with 34 years of experience.
JoAnn was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings over the years, but her favorite was the time she spent as compassionate service leader.
JoAnn was a wonderful mother. She loved nurturing her own children, her students, and the members of the community. She also loved sewing, quilting, crafting, and cooking.
JoAnn is survived by her children—JoLynne Wilson of Price, UT, Susan Heaton (David) of Boulder, UT, Patricia Zwahlen of Wellington, UT, Rowe K Zwahlen Jr. of Wellington, UT, and Jeannie Zwahlen of Springville, UT.
Grandchildren—Kristen Halazon (Ryan), Kelly Prazen, Krishel Heaton, Jacob Heaton, Kamille Montaño (William), Kassandra Pederson (Matt), Kari Jo Killian (Pace), and 13 great-grandchildren.
Siblings—Deon Wells, James Raymond Wells Jr., Stephanie Wolf (Charles), Kathy Munns (Bruce), Michael Wells (Liese), Jerry Wells (Toni Adams), Arthur Wells (Tina), Mary Scow (Gary), and Ronald Wells (Anita).
Uncle—Thomas Johnson (Bonnie).
Nieces, nephews, cousins, and many cherished friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Rowe K Zwahlen Sr., her parents, sister Elizabeth Wells, and brother Scott Wells.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Wellington 4 th Ward Chapel, 47 N 100 E, Wellington, UT. Viewing will be Friday, June 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Fausett Mortuary, 680 E 100 S, Price, UT, and 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Ferron Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.
Friends and family may sign the guest book and share memories of JoAnn at www.fausettmortuary.com.