Joan Clawson

Joan Arlene VanWoerkom Clawson (76), beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away November 27, 2012 in Ogden, Utah after a courageous battle with several illnesses.

Arlene was born in San Jose, California to Arthur Henry and Alice Mietus VanWoerkom on May 16, 1936. She was their long awaited daughter after 3 sons, the 4th son joined the family later.

In 1954 she met her eternal sweetheart George Neil Clawson at an LDS Youth Dance. They were sealed for time and eternity June 25, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, beginning 58 years together on earth. She and Neil started a wonderful posterity by having a large family of 7 daughters and 2 sons, with 43 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren continuing their legacy. Family was Arlene’s life and she loved the family being gathered together.

Arlene is a devoted, faithful daughter of God. She served Him diligently in the Relief Society, Sunday School and Primary as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived her testimony of Jesus Christ each day.

She is survived by her loving husband G. Neil and children; JaNeil (Ben) Wilson, Evelyn (Dale) Johnson, daughter-in-law Jan Clawson, Elaine (David) James, DeAnne (Michael) Holt, Colleen (James) Simmons, Lynda (Kevin) Willis, Mark (Melanie) Clawson, and their families. Her brothers Norman (Edith) VanWoerkom, Wayne (Joyce) VanWoerkom, Blaine (Etta) VanWoerkom and Howard (Gloria) VanWoerkom also survive her as do many nieces and nephews. Her parents, daughter Shirley and son Michael passed through the veil before her. What a great reunion is being held!

Arlene’s funeral will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the lower Mutton Hollow LDS building, 1085 North 50 East in Kaysville. There will be a viewing Friday November 30, 2012 at the Russon Brothers mortuary in Farmington (across the street from Cherry Hill) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and from 10:30 am to 11:45 am at the church prior to the funeral services. Interment-Kaysville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the General Temple Patron Fund, Perpetual Education Fund, General Missionary Fund or Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

We would like to express our appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses, and staff at McKay-Dee Hospital who tenderly, and compassionately, cared for Arlene during her stay.