Joan Anderson Haws

Joan (Joni) Anderson Haws, 90, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025.

Born August 4th, 1935, to Thelma Rebecca and Lawrence Anderson of Gunnison, Utah, Joni was the only daughter with 3 brothers. Her mother was a musician and her father an artist, so she became both! She twirled baton in front of the marching band and was Freshman Class President in high school. At 14 she started teaching accordion to children in town and ended up with over 30 students by the time she graduated. She attended BYU and U of U and bought a home in the Salt Lake avenues where she rented rooms to college roommates. She married Lyle Perry of Texas in 1963, and they had 3 children, moving from Utah to Texas to California and back to Salt Lake. Joni later married Ralph Haws of Ogden in 1980, they had a son before moving to St. George in 1982. 

Joni played piano, organ and accordion for restaurants, weddings, funerals and churches. Listeners at the Rickshaw and Shanley’s restaurants said her music was the best part of the meal (no offense to the Chefs!). Teaching art in California and Utah, her students called their classes “therapy sessions” and lead us to coining the term “Gramma Joni Jokes” (like Dad Jokes, but “Punnyer”) because laughter is the best medicine. We choose to remember her quick wit and fun nature, and treasure her works of art that adorn homes and businesses all across the country.

Joni is survived by her brother, Steven L. Anderson and his son, Randon Anderson of Gunnison, her children, Jill Faatz (Jeff), Jeff Perry (Adele), Nancy Perry (Jason Kinney), Travis Haws (Susan), 10 grandchildren, Bridget, Spencer, Mistie, Dave, Meagan, Bijae, Katia, Maya, Jordan and Benton, and 7 great grandchildren. 

The family will hold a celebration of life next spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating musical instruments or art supplies to your local school. 

Special thanks to Uncle Steve and the staff at Mission Assisted Living & Hospice for the care they gave to our mother. Her talents and light will be missed.

Cremation services under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina.