Joan Kremkau Shipley

8/17/1940 ~ 8/11/2021

Barbara Joan Kremkau Shipley completed her earthly sojourn on August 11, 2021, due to effects from Covid.

Born in Washington DC, August 17, 1940, to Alice Mae (Jackie) and Omer George Kremkau.

Inquisitive on the subject of religion at a young age, she sought out and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and closed her life in faithful service of her Savior Jesus Christ. The doctrine of temple work and genealogy is a particular hinge point for her testimony.

Joan came to Utah to pursue a bachelor’s degree from BYU. She was grateful for the opportunity to attend an institution where the Holy Spirit was invited into the learning process.  Joan met Gordon Shipley while at BYU.  In 1962, Joan graduated from BYU with her nursing degree, and she and Gordon married and started a family.

Married to a spouse filled with a bit of wanderlust, Joan had opportunities to live in many communities across the country but eventually settled in, and loved living in, Oak City, Utah. 

Joan’s adventurous spirit and desire for outdoor activities were eventually curbed by the physical limitations that held her captive. Yet, despite her struggles, she faced life with a positive outlook and immersed herself in helping others, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Joan dedicated her life to Gordon, family, homemaking, canning, sewing, quilting, playing cards, and genealogy (not always in that order and generally more than one at a time). In addition, she had a love for little people, flowers, birds, and animals.

Throughout her life, she became acquainted with many gifted and compassionate people within the medical field. To all of which, we gratefully acknowledge the positive effects of their service by elevating and extending her life. 

Joan leaves her family, friends, and associates a legacy of faith.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Omer and Alice Mae, Orvis Coursey (stepfather), beloved aunts, and great-grandchildren (Nash, Kalia, and Jett).  She is survived by: Spouse, Gordon; Children, Mike & Kathy Shipley, Jill & Dennis Romboy, Mark & Linda Lee Shipley, Bonnie & Mike Forrest, Erin & Gene Whiteley-Ross; and brother Mike (Kathy) Kremkau.  Joan has 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. 

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Oak City Cemetery. Online condolences and Live Zoom link at rasmussenmortuary.com in her obituary.

To Watch Recorded Graveside Service Click Here.