Joan Irene Smith was born in Lindon, Utah, on 14 February 1931, to Russell Smith and Ruth Irene Johnson Smith. She is the oldest of her siblings. Her brother Melvin was born almost two years later, he died before he was a year old. Joan was one of nine children and raised in Lindon on Dad’s farm, which use to be a part of his father Melvin Smith‘s farm. There have been modifications made to the farmhouse over the years.
It felt like we had two families, the three older ones, Dennis in the middle, and the three younger ones. If you are
thinking that the number doesn’t add up, you are right. Gary the 5th child died just over two years after he was born. I remember Joan as being fast with her hands. On a farm where you worked with your hands so much it helped to be fast, because you could fill up an apple bag faster, snap a pan of beans before the others, and many other chores that were required. My two older sisters were as different as day and night. Joan was a dark brunette and took after mom. Carol was blond after Dad’s coloring. Carol liked drama, sewing and singing, etc. while Joan liked outdoor activities, sports, etc. Joan was a score keeper for sports in Pleasant Grove for a lot of years. Sports were very much a part of their family life.
Because she and Carol were the oldest girls, they helped with the younger children. After Joan got married she would check in on mom. Her girls spent time with their Grandma helping her out on the farm. When mom had her cataract operation on both eyes Joan took her to her house and cared for her until she was able to be on her own again.
Tom Hamann, Joan’s husband was baptized into the L.D.S. church and both have lived and centered their lifes around the gospel. They both have been temple workers in the Timpanogos Temple, and worked on genealogy and family research. Here are some pictures that I have of them and their family. One is a five-generation picture, which is really quite extra-ordinary. Happy Birthday Joan.
Maxine mentions Joan's mint fudge brownies. I remember the family reunions and her brownies being so good. I could eat one now!
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by Maxine Green Smith: I remember the fun things of dating Dennis and going to dinner with Tom and Joan. Dennis worked for Tom and so they were always kidding each other. When we went to dinner Tom and Dennis took turns paying for the dinner; it turned out that they would see who could run up the biggest bill! Steaks, drinks and desserts. It was nice that Joan and I had a nice meal. Joan was always helping; in the kitchen at Thanksgiving time or potluck on Memorial Day. She makes the best mint fudge brownies ever. Tom and Joan are willing to help with the family members, family home evening, ward, or in the temple. Joan is always willing to help clean, paint houses or ceramics for her daughter. When we first started our raspberries, there were only a few berries; Joan picked her berries and shared some with us. Being the first born in her family, she helps keep the family gatherings going and gathers family data for family group sheets. Joan is a sweet daughter that takes after her mother.
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| Joan Irene Smith |
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| Joan, Calvin, Carol, Dennis, Arlene, Brent and Claudette |
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| Sandra, Paula, Dennette, Tom Jr., front: Tom, Joan and Cindy |
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| 5 generations , Irene Smith, Joan Smith Hamann, Michelle Fox Slaymaker, Zachary Slaymaker and Dennette Hamann Fox 1995 |
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| Tom Hamann and Joan celebrating their 50th Anniversary Lanny and I traveled to Utah to celebrate with them |
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