Joni Earl

Joni Ward Earl, 55, passed away January 29, 2013 at home after a 14 month battle with a brain tumor. Joni was born February 15, 1957, the middle daughter of Max and Donna Ward. She was a fussy baby; Donna recalls always having Joni on her hip. That changed as she grew older and Max would often comment how he loved picking Joni up from school, because there was always a carload of friends that wanted to go with her. Joni graduated from Bear River High school and 30 days later, on June 27, 1975 married her high school sweetheart, David Earl. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS temple on April 14, 1977. Joni devoted her life to raising their four children, Jenny, Jody, Casey and Clay. She put her creative energy into making her home beautiful and was constantly painting, wallpapering, or decorating her little castle. Joni’s home was a place of warmth and love and each season called for special decorations. Every Sunday Joni’s family gathered around her table to enjoy supper, and she always prepared a delicious dessert. There was only one thing dearer than her children and that was her grandchildren. Grandma Joni made sure Toby, Bailey, Gracie, Hattie, Waylon, Chase, Macy Jo, Lizzy and Chance each knew they were her favorite and that she held a special place in her heart for each of them. Joni spent most of her life as a homemaker, but enjoyed her time working at the retail counter of Gossner Foods where she made many good friends among the employee, customers and their families. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Joni served in many callings, but she always treasured the time she spent in the Primary program. She loved serving the children, and they love Joni. If ever there was an example of Christ-like love Joni was that example. Joni made friends easily and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She was a great listener and made every person she encountered feel like a best friend. She is survived by her husband David Earl, Mother Donna Ward, Mother-in-Law Charlene Earl, and two sisters Patti (Kelly) Walker and Sherry (Billy) Rhodes. Her legacy lives on in Daughters; Jenny (Wes) Firth of Thatcher, Jody (Jason) Grover of Riverside, Sons; Casey (Kristan) Earl of Lewiston and Clay Earl (unidentified) of Beaver Dam. She leaves 9 grandchildren who love her very much. Joni was preceded in death by her father Max Ward, and Father-in-Law Sherman Earl. The family will welcome friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 and from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1 at the Beaver Dam LDS Church (16025 N Beaver Dam Rd.). A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at the Beaver Dam Church. Services will conclude with burial in the Beaver Dam Cemetery under the direction of Rudd Funeral Home in Tremonton, Utah.