JoAnn R. McDonald

JoAnn Rasmussen Merrill McDonald, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home on September 19, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on September 12, 1935, the third child of George J. and Lois F. Rasmussen in Logan, Utah.

JoAnn was a comforting presence to all who knew her. She gave generously of herself, routinely placing the needs of her family and friends above her own. Her warmth, kindness, and steady devotion made her a source of love and reassurance throughout her life.

JoAnn’s eye for elegance began early. In high school, she served as fashion editor of the North Cache High school newspaper, a role that perfectly reflected her lifelong sense of style. She was also a natural leader and served as senior class vice president.

She attended Utah State Agricultural College, now Utah State University, where she participated in the ROTC Sponsor Corps and served as second lieutenant, performing precision military rifle drills with poise and discipline.

During her high school years, JoAnn met her first love, James (Jim) Merrill. The high school sweethearts married in 1955, beginning a beautiful partnership and the family life they would build together. They welcomed four children in five years: Susan, Jeff, David, and Julie. While Jim’s work was protecting the community, JoAnn devoted herself fully to raising their children and creating a loving home.

When her youngest child was five, JoAnn entered the workforce as the first employee of Moore Business Forms, where she worked for more than 25 years and developed life-long friendships with many of her co-workers. This job helped secure the family’s future because six years later, tragedy struck when Jim passed away. JoAnn became the backbone of her family, navigating grief with remarkable grace and resilience. She worked tirelessly to raise her four children on her own, and her hardworking spirit and unconditional love kept the family anchored through their most difficult times.

After raising her children, JoAnn once again found love and married Charles “Chuck” McDonald in 1983. Together, they shared 17 years filled with many travel adventures and cherished memories.

JoAnn was a faithful member of the LDS church and served in many callings throughout her life. She served for many years in the church extraction program, transcribing thousands of names from vital records for temple work. Her favorite calling was her final calling as nursery leader, where her gentleness and love for children were beautifully expressed.

She was the ultimate doting grandmother. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she found endless joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow into the people they have become. While her memory faded in later years, her heart never forgot the people she loved or the beautiful memories that made her life so full. She will be missed beyond measure by all who were lucky enough to know her.

JoAnn is survived by her four children: Susan (Doug) Garrett of Kemmerer, Wyoming; Jeff (Tracy) Merrill of St. Maries, Idaho; David (Lynne) Merrill of North Logan, Utah; and Julie (Kip) Leavitt of Orangeville, Utah; 14 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law Eunice Merrill and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Jim Merrrill and Charles McDonald; her brother, Clair F. Rasmussen; her sister, Shirley Mae (ClaVel) Haslem; and grandson, Cory James Mendenhall.

The family extends deep gratitude to Meredith Neeley for the love, care, and compassion she has shown to JoAnn over the past year.

A service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillcrest First Ward chapel, 875 North 1500 East, Logan, Utah. Friends and family may visit at a viewing held prior to the funeral service from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield Cemetery immediately following services. A link to the livestream will be available.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.