Jo Lou Farnham

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Jo Lou Farnham, returned to Our Heavenly Father unexpectedly on July 13, 2020 at age 67; following closely after her mother  and life-long best friend Lucille. Jo Lou was born September 27, 1952 in Mesa, AZ to George Humphries Smith and Lucille Dean Smith as the first of six children. Later in life, she reunited with her high school sweetheart, David George Farnham. They were married in St. George, UT in 1993, lovingly blending their family of 14.

Jo Lou was raised in Arizona and New Mexico and loved the desert. Her chosen careers allowed her to see much of the terrain across the nation, fulfilling her passion for travel and love of children. She was a lifelong learner, and an astounding pianist. Those who knew her, knew of her kind and innocent heart. Jo Lou was a friend to all she encountered. She spent a lot of her years around children as her mother was a school teacher and Jo Lou then worked as a school bus driver. She continued serving and loving children and God by faithfully fulfilling her calling of being the Primary Pianist for the LDS Church in which she held for several years. She thoroughly enjoyed being a mother and grandmother; serving all children with the highest regard. Jo Lou also loved animals, as they were a big part of her life.

Jo Lou was selfless, patient, kind, and held a child-like innocence. Her kind heart was passed on through her examples in life - Be accepting of all people, nurture all living things, treat everyone with respect, and love endlessly. Keep a child-like innocence and wonder always in all ways. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Welcome everyone with warmth, kindness and compassion. Be eloquent, astute, and sincere with poise while maintaining professionalism and a balanced perspective. Always learn and teach where you can. Honor and respect yourself and always return to your foundational teachings. Give to those in need, even if it means the shirt off your back. Reign with a gentle loving heart. Keep the fun in life and embrace all that comes your way! Jo Lou’s legacy will live on through those that she touched and many generations to come.

She is survived by her children Timm (Stacy), James (Jenny), Cyndee (Zac), Melissa (Kyle), Melanie (Mat), Ed (Becca), Crystal, Matt (Kristine), Colleen (Shawn), Aaron (Krista), Charity (Clint), 43 grandchildren, 4 sisters - Shannon, Pam (Bill), Deanna, Katrina (Blaine) and 1 brother - Courtney (Erica). She is preceded in death by her husband David, her mother & father, son Paul, son-in-law Cody, and grandson Caemen.

Jo Lou’s viewing will be held Monday, July 20, 2020 from 5 to 7 PM, and funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 9AM (8:30AM for viewing) at Hughes Mortuary 1037 E. 700 S., St. George, UT 84090 with graveside service to follow at Washington City Cemetery - 300 Park View Dr., Washington, UT 84780.