Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister JoAnn C. Arnold passed away December 9th, 2020 at the age of 89, after a hard fought battle with cancer.
She was born on June 2, 1931 in Coalville, Utah to Herschel E Calderwood and Hazel Wright Calderwood. JoAnn married Rey L Arnold on the 18th of July, 1961. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple on July 18th, 2002.
Education was very important to JoAnn. She completed her undergraduate studies at Utah State University and obtained her Master's degree at Washington State in Pullman. Teaching and coaching were JoAnn's passion. Whether in the classroom, the ball field, or on the court her dedication to her students was unmatched.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and proudly helped many young men, including her 3 sons, obtain their Eagle Scout Awards.
JoAnn was a lifelong believer in sports and athletics. She played professionally for the Utah Shamrocks softball team and pitched in 3 Worlds Tournaments. She cherished time spent in the great outdoors. Bird watching, wildflower identification, backpacking, cross country skiing, and spending time at her cabin in the Uintas were a big part of her life. She coached at many levels: the sports of baseball, softball, tennis, bowling, just to name a few. JoAnn ran her first marathon at age 48 and continued participating in 5K races through her 80's. Later in life she became an avid golfer, often golfing 3 or 4 times a week, as recently as this past summer. She was fiercely competitive and didn't believe in mulligans. Her golfing companions were instrumental in keeping her active until the very end, and her family has so much appreciation for them.
JoAnn had a large circle of extended family and friends who were very dear to her. She took great pride in keeping tabs on all of them. Birthday cards, Christmas amaryllis, and advent calendars were traditions she carried on with love.
Survived by her brother: Larry (Imogene) Calderwood; her three sons Chad, Rod (Lisa), and Joe (Lana); and Rey's daughter Tawni (Joe) Calderwood. JoAnn had 12 beautiful grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband Rey; her parents, 3 beloved sisters- Beth, Fern and Bonnie.
Mom's generosity continues even after her death. It was her wish to donate her body to science. In light of this and the current pandemic restrictions we would invite you to join us in celebrating JoAnn's life sometime in early June.