Joan Frances Bailey Anderson

Joan Frances Bailey Anderson passed away peacefully at her home on August 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 23, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to Robert Jefferson Bailey and Miriam Louise Jackson, she was the first child and grandchild. Joan cherished her childhood summers in Washington and winters in Florida. Joan’s fondest memories were her years living on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Joan graduated from Manatee County High School and earned a B.A. in Psychology from Calvin College in 1963, where she met and later married John Robert Bielema. Together, they welcomed two beloved children, Kimberly Ann and John Robert Jr., who brought immense joy to her life alongside her seven cherished grandchildren. Joan furthered her education with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Western University in 1980 and dedicated her career to helping others as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

In 1974, Joan found her spiritual home in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully as a Temple Ordinance Worker for 23 years across three temples and passionately researching family history, uncovering over 80,000 relatives’ records. She also devoted time teaching in Seminary, Gospel Doctrine, Relief Society, and Primary, always sharing her unwavering faith and love.

Joan loved dogs, and her faithful companions were always by her side. She took great joy in spoiling them with treats. Joan made friends easily wherever she went. Even during chemo treatments and doctor appointments, she would learn about the nurses’ lives and remember them if they helped her again, making everyone feel like they were her best friend. Known for her sharp wit and wry sense of humor, Joan never missed an opportunity to lighten the mood, even during serious moments.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, former husband John, and grandson Spencer Roy Barentsen. She is survived by her children, Kimberly Barentsen and John Bielema, her sister, Judy Ellingham, her brothers, Terry Bailey, John Slegers, and Jim Slegers, daughter-in-law Megan Bielema, grandchildren David, Katie, Jack, Sammy, Will, and Roy, and her beloved dogs, Rusty and Buddy.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Rowland Way Meetinghouse, 610 Rowland Way, Centerville, Utah, with a viewing from 11:30 -12:45 p.m. Interment will follow at the Centerville City Cemetery. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

Services will also be streamed by the ward on Zoom:  https://zoom.us/j/97773620583

Joan's legacy of love, faith, and genuine connection will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.

Condolences may be left in the guestbook below or they can be mailed to Kimberly Barentsen, 309 Mercury Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523