Joan Rhees Hansen

Our beloved Joan Rhees Hansen returned to be with her Father in Heaven early in the morning of April 3, 2015, with her husband and family by her side.  She had a rare form of sarcoma cancer.  She faced incredible suffering, but faced her challenges with faith, courage, and dignity, always gracious and kind. She was the perfect age of 48, always beautiful. President Thomas S. Monson stated, “We understand we have come to earth to learn, to live, and to progress in our eternal journey toward perfection. Some remain on earth but for a moment, while others live long upon the land. The measure is not how long we live, but rather how well we lived.” Joan lived well.

Joan was born on March 2, 1967, to Jay and Connie Rhees.  As a young girl she was fond of playing sports and working outside.  She graduated from Weber High School in 1985 where she was a student-body officer.  She studied nursing at Weber State University and graduated in 1987 as an R.N.  Joan went on to have a special calling as a nurse, primarily working in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.  Joan later returned to WSU and completed her Bachelor of Nursing.  On September 9, 1989, she married Devon Hansen, her best friend and high school sweetheart, in the Logan Temple.  Shortly after their marriage, they moved to California as Devon began his career with Toyota.  They also lived in Missouri and New Jersey before returning home to Utah and settling in the wonderful community of Kaysville, which they love.  Joan enjoyed running, sports, hard work, and anything that took her outside.  She was a big fan of sunshine and rainy days.  She was clever, with a nimble wit, and life was never boring with Joan around.  Her perfect smile will always be remembered. 

Joan was a wise and gentle mother who truly treasured the company of her children.   She cherished time with her family and they had many adventures together.  Joan was truly a converted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Her testimony of the Savior was genuine.  She served in many ways at church, but loved it most when she was working with children or youth.  Joan was a faithful and happy wife to Devon and always supported him in his many church assignments, including as Bishop of the Burton Ward and only a few months ago when he was called as Stake President of the newly organized Kaysville Utah Deseret Mill Stake.  She always encouraged and supported Devon while he rendered dedicated service and she never complained.  Joan and Devon were loving companions, standing gladly, side by side, in everything.   Joan set a righteous example of what it means to be a wife, a mother, and a lady.  Joan leaves a legacy for having a zeal for life, serving and loving others (especially her family), and being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Joan is survived by her mother, Connie Rhees; husband, Devon Hansen; children Emily (Spencer) Foster, Hayden Hansen (currently serving in the France, Lyon Mission), Meghan Hansen, and Katelyn Hansen; siblings, Richard (Linda) Rhees, Kaye (Jerry) Clarke, David (Shanna) Rhees, Diane (Art) Hansen, and Alan (Stacy) Rhees; Devon’s parents and sister, Darrell and Ann Hansen and Kristie (Nathan) Herzog; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews;  beloved dog, Lilly; and numerous friends.   She is preceded in death by her father, Jay Herbert Rhees.

A special thanks to Surgeon Jodie Miles, Oncologist Gregory Litton, and Hospice Nurse Michelle Capener. We are grateful for their expertise and tender care as they treated Joan and tried to ease her suffering.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 8th at the Burton Lane Stake Center, located at 270 West Burton Lane, Kaysville, Utah from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and on Thursday, April 9th from 9:30 to 10:30 am. The funeral will be held Thursday, April 9th at the same location at 11:00 am. Interment Kaysville City Cemetery.