Joan Pierce Farley Valentine passed from her earthly home the evening of Dec. 11, 2016 surrounded by angels and her loving family. Her unwavering love will be missed by all that knew her.
Mom was born to Grace and Ralph Pierce on June 12, 1934, in Aberdeen Idaho in a two-room wood farmhouse with her dad assisting the Dr. She shared her childhood in Idaho with her sisters Chana and Sandy and brother George. They lived a simple farm life which made the siblings close. They all developed outstanding work ethics which provided the necessary background to be successful in their lives. Mom was a very successful woman professionally and personally. Her communication skills continued to be her greatest asset. She instilled in her children those same skills which lead them to their own personal successes.
Mom married Robert Farley on March 5, 1954. Together they had daughters Ella, Robby and Jeanne all born while living in California. Jeanne was a baby when they moved to Utah. Mom lived in Utah the rest of her life. But she always missed the California coast and especially Big Sur.
Mom and Dad had an active life. While raising their girls, they camped, boated, fished and enjoyed many things with her sister Chana and her family. We have such fond memories of the vacations. We always had a truck with camper so we could pull the boat.
During mom’s early years she worked in banking. She was very successful at it and worked her way up to loan officer. She was one of those women who cut the path to equality. For that we are so proud. After her banking years, she sold real estate for a bit. She settled into active management of a 24-unit apartment complex.
Mom was widowed at 39. Soon afterward she met and later married Robert G. Valentine. They married on May 10, 1974. This union brought mom five more children whom she loved with the same unselfishness that she displayed to everyone. New to her love were Debbie, Jackie, Patti, Chris and Barbara. She loved all her family as deeply as any mother could. Mom and Bob were sealed in the LDS temple for time and eternity.
Together mom and Bob expanded their adventures to include frequent visits to Washington DC. Mom was a perfect hostess and took pride in the meal preparation. She could throw a party second to none. For years they had an annual “Valentine Party”. They always hosted Thanksgiving, a family Christmas party with Santa, quiet Christmas Eve chowder and her fond remembered Christmas morning brunch. There were the many open houses she had in honor of anything that her children needed. They also hosted an annual salmon bake for the neighborhood.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents Grace and Ralph, her husband Robert Farley, her daughters: Robby Ravsten and Jackie Moore, her sisters Chana Allred and Mary Lucille and brother Ralph. She is survived by her husband Robert Valentine, daughters Ella Olsen, Jeanne Andersen, Debbie Birch, Barbara Valentine-Day, Patti Andersen and son Chris Valentine along with grandchildren and great grandchildren, her sister Sandy Walker and brother George Pierce, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services included family visitation and a viewing Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT. Another family visitation and viewing was held Friday, Dec. 16, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed with the funeral at 11 a.m. in the Pleasant View LDS Chapel, 250 W. Elberta Drive, Pleasant View, UT.
Interment was in the Brigham City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.
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