Joan was born in East Ely, Nevada, to Albert George and Ellen Oakden Brandis on May 12, 1926. She was joined two years later by her sister, Barbara Brandis. They grew up in East Ely where their father worked for the railroad. She had a pleasant childhood and shared so many memories of attending East Ely Grade School and White Pine High School. She grew up during the Great Depression and the Second World War. She certainly knew how to economize from those experiences. When she graduated, she worked for Ely Light and Power and then the Forest Service.
She married Milton David Gardner May 16, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Lund where Milton farmed and she helped him by cleaning the milk barn each morning and cooking for hay men along with working in the fields, gardening, and raising their daughter, Ann Louise, and their son, Brent David.
When Ann Louise went to BYU in 1967, she was approached to be the secretary at the schools since she was so adept at typing and shorthand. She continued working at the schools for 45 years. She loved being around the students and teachers and never tired of the work. She also helped at Carter’s Agri-System in the morning before school. She was always extremely thorough in all her bookkeeping and secretarial responsibilities. She kept meticulous records of finances, addresses, and phone numbers even at age 97.
Joan served faithfully in every calling she received in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the Primary secretary for many years as well as the Ely Nevada Stake Relief Society secretary, teacher, and Visiting Teacher. She loved her membership in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) and always enjoyed meeting with the others at their “Camp” meetings. She and Milton loved serving in the Duckwater Branch for many years. It was a highlight of their lives.
They celebrated 71 years of marriage before his passing in 2016. At the age of 92, she moved to Legacy Village Assisted Living in Salt Lake City where she was given the best care. She lived through the lock-down of Covid-19 and even a bout with Covid after the lock-down was well over. She was one strong woman. She treasured her friendships and was always kind to everyone. She was the best visitor and listener and loved a good laugh.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann Louise (Ralph) Alger of Spring Creek, Nevada, and Brent (Nina) Gardner of Lund. She also claims her “son by a different mother”, Randy Seem who lived with them while in 8th grade. She has 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who all loved her dearly as she did them.
She quietly and peacefully left this earthly life after 98 years of service and love on July 13, 2024.
Her funeral service will be held in the Lund Ward Chapel on Friday, July 26. Viewing will be from 10:00-11:00 and the service will begin at 11:00
Interment will be following the service at the Lund Cemetery.
y, NV 89301.
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