Joanne Ballif Baker Cottrell

Joanne Ballif Baker Cottrell (88) passed away May 6, 2020, in St. George Utah. She was born to Serge Chadwick and Ina Wilcox Ballif on July 7, 1931, in Logan, Utah. She was fifth in a family of eight children. Growing up was always a buzz of activity in the home. Joanne graduated from Logan High School. Joanne met Barzee Baker in 1950, and they were married for eternity in the Logan LDS Temple that same year, making their home in Smithfield, Utah. Barzee’s untimely passing in 1961 left her with four children to raise. To support her young family Joanne attended Stevens Henager Business College and earned an accounting degree. She worked for several years at Thiokol in North Logan. She worked hard and was a dedicated employee. She loved to sew and made beautiful dresses for her daughters. She also loved to quilt. In 1976 Joanne married James Cottrell and moved to Alaska, though they nearly always spent winters in St. George. She and Jim worked in real estate for several years owning and managing an apartment complex. While in Alaska Joanne developed a love for gardening and grew a variety of beautiful flowers. She and Jim also loved to travel and visit family. After Jim passed away Joanne spent most of her time in St. George. She lived the past two and one half years at The Retreat at Sunbrook, in St George. Joanne’s family thanks the staff at The Retreat for all their kindness and compassion shown her during this difficult period of her life. She was happiest around her family. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. She was always interested in what they were doing. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, six brothers and sisters and two stepsons. She is survived by her children, Doris (Jim) Nilson, Bonnie (D. Craig) Anderson, both of St. George Utah, Colleen (Nick) Lentz of Palmer Alaska; and Gary (Terri) Baker of Wasilla Alaska, her sister Ina Rae Knighton of St. George, Utah, and stepchildren Karen (LeRoy) Eckman of St. George and David (Andrea) Cottrell of Anchorage, Alaska, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren Interment will be in the Smithfield cemetery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which can be made in her name.

Joanne Ballif Baker Cottrell

July 7, 1931 - May 6, 2020