Joan Gay Bohn

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Joan Gay Bohn, passed into eternal life during her sleep the in the early hours of November 19, 2024. 

Mom was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 8, 1932, the first child of Helen Gay Shanks (Mather) and James Francis Shanks. She later moved to Flint, Michigan, graduating from Central High School before working for General Motors. She went on to hold civil service positions in Colorado and California with the U.S. Air Force and the Bureau of Public Roads.

Working for the Bureau in Sacramento, California she met her future husband, George Walter Bohn. They were married on December 10, 1961. She left the workforce to focus on raising her family, welcoming sons Brian and Kevin before the family relocated to Utah in 1969. Despite initially expecting a short stay in Utah, she would spend all but two of her remaining years there. She and Dad enjoyed a deep and devoted relationship for over 40 years before his passing in 2002. 

Music was one of her lifelong passions. She started playing the piano as a child and later found joy in teaching others. After taking on a single student at the request of a friend, with no initial intention of taking on more, she soon found herself with many pupils. With a soft spot for children, she was “Grandma Joan” to many beyond her own family.

Desiring to combine her faith with her music, she began studying organ as an adult and served as a church organist for over 30 years. An active member of the Lutheran church, she also enjoyed teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Above all, her faith manifested in a quiet, inner strength and uncomplaining spirit, even in the face of hardship. While her body waned, her smile never did.

She was preceded in glory by her parents, aunts, and uncles; husband George; sister Mary Ann and brother-in-law Norbert; and brother James. She is survived by her sons Brian and Kevin; grandchildren Briana, Marcos, Mia, and Sofia; sister-in-law Betty and cousin Laura; nieces Anne, Margaret, Lexi and Stacy; nephews Mike, Tom and James.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1840 South 75 East, Bountiful, Utah. Friends may call during visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, Utah. Interment will be at Centerville City Cemetery.