JoAnn Mathis Ross

JoAnn Mathis Ross

JoAnn Mathis Ross, age 78, of Price, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025.

Born on July 24, 1947, she leaves behind a legacy of service, education, faith, and leadership that enriched the lives of countless individuals throughout Utah and beyond.

Born in Price, Utah to her loving parents Rex Mathis and Dora Dean Morrell Mathis, some of JoAnn's fondest childhood memories were the annual trips she took with her mother to Salt Lake City-visiting Arbacks and ZCMI for school shopping. From an early age she loved learning and cherished her education working hard to excel in school.

After graduating from high school, JoAnn began her pursuit of higher education at Carbon Junior College, earning her associate degree. She went on to complete a bachelor of science in home economics at Utah State University (USU) in 1968. She taught home economics education in the Salt Lake County School District for one year before continuing her studies at Colorado State University, where she received a master of science degree in child development in 1972.

JoAnn's professional career with Utah State University's Extension Service spanned 31 years and touched families across Wasatch, Weber, Box Elder, Cache, and Davis counties. Serving as an assistant professor and Davis County agent in the family & consumer sciences program, she devoted her career to helping individuals and families build healthier, stronger lives. Her gentle strength, warmth, and expertise were felt by communities throughout the state.

A respected leader among her peers, JoAnn held numerous leadership roles within professional organizations, including serving as president of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), the national honor society of Extension professionals, in 1997. In 2003, she received ESP's Distinguished Service Award-one of the highest honors given to Extension faculty. Upon her retirement, Utah State University honored her with the title of Emeritus Extension Associate Professor, recognizing her decades of mentorship, scholarship, and public service. Colleagues and students remember her for her compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication to lifting others.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, JoAnn embodied kindness, generosity, and a genuine commitment to serve others. Her home and community benefited greatly from her devotion.

JoAnn Married the love of her life, Halver Ross, on May 16, 1991. They lived in Bountiful and Centerville for a few years. When Hal retired, they purchased a home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. JoAnn continued to work for 12 more years after their marriage. The couple loved traveling and would travel every opportunity they were together. They visited the Northwest, Western State Parks, Canada, British Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Switzerland, and Japan. After JoAnn's retirement on August 1, 2003, they fulfilled their dream of living in St. George, Utah. The couple returned to live in Mt. Pleasant and had an ideal life, living in both places. JoAnn and Hal shared 31 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.

A faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, JoAnn found great joy in reading the Book of Mormon and attending the temple. Her life reflected her deep and quiet faith, a steady anchor throughout her life.

JoAnn is survived by her loving family, brothers, Rex Morrell Mathis (Barbara B. Mathis), and Dale Mathis (Pat Mathis); along with a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives she touched. Her legacy lives on in the values she exemplified-devotion to education, service to community, and heartfelt compassion for others.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gwen Mathis Pickup; and brother-in-law, Quint E. Pickup.

JoAnn's life was one of steadfast service, gentleness, and quiet but profound influence. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Graveside service, Monday, November 17, 2025, 2:00 p.m., Price City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah 84501) from 1-1:45 p.m., prior to the graveside.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of JoAnn online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.