Ellen JoAnn Draper Deans

Ellen JoAnn Draper Deans, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, on June 13, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 4, 1941, in Fountain Green, Utah, JoAnn—never Ellen, despite being named after her grandmother Ellen Pauline Seely Haffen—began her life on the kitchen table of her childhood home, just months before the world would change at Pearl Harbor. She was the youngest child of Aury Henry Draper and Iona Seely Draper and was welcomed by her older siblings, Richard and Mary.

JoAnn’s early years were marked by simple joys and deep family bonds. Growing up in a pioneer home with no running water and limited means, she learned resilience, creativity, and the joy of homemade fun—whether swinging from a tree, playing “store” with Aunt Martha, or making mud pies outside the Fountain Green post office where her mother worked as Postmaster.

She attended Fountain Green Elementary, Moroni High School, and later graduated with honors from North Sanpete High School in 1959. At Snow College, JoAnn earned her Associate of Science degree and forged lifelong friendships. JoAnn loved to dance. After moving to Salt Lake City for work, she met Boyd Gibson Deans at a church dance at the Terrace Ballroom. They were sealed in the Manti Temple on May 3, 1963, and built a beautiful life together. JoAnn and Boyd continued their love for dance throughout their lives, participating in square dancing for many years.

JoAnn was the devoted mother of four children—Douglas, Cheryl, Paula, and Kyle—and took immense pride in their accomplishments and testimonies. She poured her heart into her home and her faith, serving faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in callings ranging from Young Women’s President to Primary pianist. Her favorite callings were those that included music and allowed her to nurture and guide youth. After retirement JoAnn and Boyd served faithfully for several years as volunteers in the family home evening program at the Utah State Prison. She cherished the 18 months (05-07) that they served together in the Nauvoo Illinois Mission.

Her passions included music, reading, sewing, quilting, gardening, Wednesday snow skiing, Christmas & Dept 56 collectables and traveling; including countless family trips to Disneyland and Lake Powell; and trips with Boyd across the United States and to London. She enjoyed taking her children with her on her weekly skiing days. All these things gave her joy, but nothing meant more to her than time spent with her children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Her sense of humor, love for shoes, and deep appreciation for family traditions left a lasting mark on those who knew her.

Her life was a tapestry of small sacred moments, strong values, and enduring love. She believed in the power of faith, the joy of learning, and the beauty of living simply and fully. A truly classy lady.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 62+ years, Boyd; her children - Douglas Deans (Kathy), Cheryl Williams (Todd), Paula Anderson (Kyle) and Kyle Deans; her grandchildren and their spouses; great grandchildren; and a host of friends and extended family who will miss her dearly. Preceded in death by her beloved parents, Aury and Iona Draper; Brother Richard “Dick” Draper (Marilyn) and sister Mary Lamb (Glade).

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Short Hills Ward Chapel - 8170 S. Short Hills Drive, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121 (3425 E.). A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Short Hills Ward Chapel from 6:00 - 8:00 and the day of the service from 10:00-10:45. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Estates, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

We would like to express our appreciation to Dignity Home Health & Hospice - Christina, Brooklyn, & Nichole - and countless neighbors who lovingly helped take care of mom these past few years.

In lieu of flowers, JoAnn’s family invites you to share a memory, perform an act of kindness, or hum a favorite hymn—just as she often did—in her honor.