JoAnn Orton Sorensen

JoAnn Orton Sorensen, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, to join a great reunion with loved ones gone before her. 

JoAnn was born July 7, 1938, to Joseph Albert Orton and Myrtle Priscilla Wilson at the old Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. Her mother passed away 3 days later. Joseph took newborn JoAnn home to her waiting siblings. She grew up on their North Ogden family farm surrounded by her family's love and care, including siblings Joseph Howard, Virginia Myrtle, Harold Wilson, Verda Jane, and Hyrum Lloyd. Her sister Helen went before her (1921-1925). Virginia was “momma” to JoAnn, and was grandmother to JoAnn’s children. She had many in her extended family who were a big part of her life. JoAnn spent a lot of time with Aunt Esther and had many good memories of visiting family and friends with her. She was close to her siblings and extended family throughout her life. The annual Orton summer family reunions and winter Christmas parties were main events she enjoyed. 

After graduating from Weber High School, JoAnn wed G. Ronald Wright (Ron). They had four children; Christine (Kent) Williams, Julie (Craig) Heitman, Kathleen Wright, and Mitchell R. Wright. They were later divorced. She married Eldon T. Sorensen in 1977 and Gregory Scott Sorensen was born.

JoAnn’s greatest accomplishment and joy was her family. She loved spending time with her children, 16 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. She attended concerts, plays, performances, recitals, sporting events, holiday and birthday parties (bravely participating in crazy group games), phone calls, video calls, letters, and cards, and even learned to text message to show love and stay close to her family. 

JoAnn loved to be with people. For many years she enjoyed going to the senior centers across the valley to be with friends for lunch, attend programs and especially to play Bingo. She loved being with her ward family and enjoyed going to church meetings and parties. 

JoAnn was creative and loved doing crafts and making things to share with others. She crocheted many afghans, created plastic canvas items, and embroidered pillowcases and dishtowels. She enjoyed scrapbooking and created many treasured photo albums of her life. 

JoAnn had a testimony of the gospel and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her dedication to her faith was evident in every aspect of her life. She was an earthly angel, a shining example of Christlike love and service.

JoAnn will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who know her. Though she is not with us in body, her light will continue to shine brightly in our lives.

A celebration of JoAnn's life will be held on February 8, 2025. A Viewing will be from 12:00 - 1:45 pm with the Funeral Service following at 2:00 pm at the Rose Park 7th Ward building - 1155 N. 1200 W. Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. The Graveside Dedication Service will be at the Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123. There will be a luncheon for the family after the Graveside service at the Park 5th Ward building 7411 S 4800 W West Jordan Utah 84084.