June 22, 1951 — Sept. 11, 2017
JoAnna Torgerson Gunderson, 66, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 11. She was born June 22, 1951, in Richfield to Neldon and Muriel Torgerson. She graduated from Richfield High School in May of 1969. She married Morris Parsons on Sept. 6, 1969, and they later divorced. She then married Jimmy Swope on Dec. 24, 1985. He preceded her in death. On Jan. 26, 1991, she married James Gunderson. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jan. 22, 1994.
In 1978, JoAnna began her lifelong career with the state of Utah where she started as a dispatcher in Richfield. In 1982 she became the second female trooper ever hired by the Utah Highway Patrol. She transferred to the Department of Transportation in 1992, working as a supervisor for the St. George Port of Entry until her passing.
JoAnna is survived by her dogs, Ginger and Wink; children: Travis (Beverlee) Parsons of Salina and Jodi (Todd) Christensen of Syracuse; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Cheryl (Mike) Stubbs, Doug (Danielle) Gunderson, Brian Gunderson, all of Washington Terrace and Ryan (Christie) Gunderson of Richfield; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands and niece, Tera.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the Green Valley LDS Stake Center, 511 S. Valley View Drive, St. George.
- Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd. and on Friday, prior to services, from 9-10 a.m. at the church.
- Interment will be in the Richfield Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.