JoAnn Jensen Merritt was born on a Saturday afternoon, August 30, 1947, in Afton, Wyoming, to James “Jim” and Ann Sanderson Jensen. She passed away peacefully on Friday morning, May 22, 2026, in Thayne, Wyoming.

JoAnn was the second of four children and grew up on the Jensen family homestead in Grover, Wyoming, where she developed the qualities that would define her throughout her life — determination, independence, perseverance, and a deep capacity for love and service to others. She enjoyed helping her dad around the ranch, but she especially loved living next door to her grandparents and spending countless cherished hours in Grandma Nellie’s kitchen with the many cousins she so adored.

From an early age, JoAnn possessed a strong spirit and a caring heart, always willing to work hard and help those around her. Family was the center of her life. She lovingly “mothered” her two spirited brothers, Larry and Scott, and one of the great trials of her childhood was keeping track of them and trying to keep them on the straight and narrow. Somehow, she managed the task with plenty of patience, persistence, and likely more than a little exasperation along the way. She shared a particularly strong bond with Scott, whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16. Their glorious reunion in heaven must have been beyond joyful.

She graduated from Star Valley High School and married the love of her life, Kay E. Merritt, on September 25, 1965. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, LDS Temple. To this union, three sons were born: Todd, Kevin “Boon” Merritt, and Scott Merritt.

JoAnn was deeply proud of her boys and the families they created. She was not only a wonderful mother, but also a trusted friend and constant source of support to her sons. Whether she was spoon-feeding baby chicks, rescuing frogs, caring for injured birds, or helping her boys through life’s celebrations and disappointments, she did it all with unconditional love and compassion. Her home was a sanctuary — safe, secure, and always welcoming — where her boys, their friends, and anyone who walked through the door always felt at home.

She was a talented seamstress, excellent cook, and crafter. Alongside her mother and sister Penny, she designed and decorated many Christmas trees for the Primary Children’s Festival of Trees, laughing together through glitter, ribbons, and late nights that became treasured memories. She took great pride in landscaping and maintaining her beautiful yard, especially her pink petunias and yellow roses. Her beautifully maintained yard remains one of the most admired in the valley.

JoAnn was employed by the Star Valley School District for more than 30 years in various capacities, where she formed many lasting friendships with coworkers and especially loved the hundreds of children she safely transported to and from school throughout the years.

She also worked closely with her parents over the years in their family business, as did her boys, and made countless trips to Idaho Falls with our mom for both business and fun. As Mom always said, “To all of us, Jo is our ‘Johnny on the spot.’ Whenever help is needed, she’s always there — dependable, fun-loving, and always willing to jump in. We are so blessed to call her ours.”

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, JoAnn served in many callings throughout her lifetime. One of her greatest joys was working with the Young Women organization, and girls camp was always a special highlight. She also faithfully served on the Grover Cemetery Board in various capacities, including President.

Jo and Kay recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and unwavering support through every season of life. Kay cared for her tenderly through her final years, and his beloved sweetheart is now whole and at peace.

JoAnn will be remembered for her enduring strength, strong work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family — especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with each of her grandchildren, whether camping, floating the river, swinging from the rope swing at Murphy Lake, or adventuring in the mountains. She was a nurturing presence in their lives, always there to listen, offer support, and make each grandchild feel deeply loved. She was always a fun and adventurous grandma and will be forever missed. Her legacy of kindness, devotion, and quiet service will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Kay; her sons, Todd Merritt (Misti), Kevin “Boon” Merritt (Billie), and Scott Merritt; her grandchildren, Nathan Merritt, Randi Clark, Whitney Putnam, Kelby Merritt, Toby Merritt, Jozie Merritt, Beau Merritt, and Shelbi Merritt; eleven beloved great-grandchildren; and her sister, Penny Kaye Jensen-Sandberg (Craig).

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents; her brothers, Larry Jensen and Scott Jensen; her infant nephew, Alexander; her beloved infant grandson, Bo Todd; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.