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JoAnn Larson Masoner

JoAnn Larson Masoner

Sep. 16, 1938 - May 31, 2023

Date of Service: Jun. 9, 2023

Watch the Webcast Service Program

BURLEY – JoAnn Larson Masoner, our 84-year-old beloved mom, grandma, and great- grandma, passed away peacefully from natural causes at home in Burley, Idaho, on May 31, 2023, just in time to share her 63rd anniversary with her husband in heaven.

JoAnn began her earthly journey on September 16, 1938. She was born at the old hospital in Rupert, Idaho. Her parents, Melba Lillie Broadhead and Melvin Isaac Larson, were thrilled to have a girl join their family. Her siblings are, Gene, Carol and Bob. She had many treasured memories growing up on the Springdale farm playing with her brothers, sister, cousins, the kittens in the haystack, and learning the value of hard work. The love of music was instilled in her heart at an early age as she began piano lessons. She attended schools in Burley and after graduation she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to continue piano studies with Dr. Oscar Wagner, former dean of The Juilliard School of Music.

In 1959 she met her eternal love, Gary Neal Masoner. On June 1, 1960, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout their life together they lived in Moran, Wyoming, Provo, Utah, Burley, Rupert and Heyburn.

JoAnn and Gary were wonderful parents to their three children, Julie, Annette and Michael. They shared fond memories of homemade sugar cookies, holiday traditions, family home evenings, camping and motorcycle trips, snow skiing, and beautiful piano music filling their home.

JoAnn’s gift of being an accomplished classical concert pianist has been a major part of her life. Hundreds of piano students have been blessed to have her as their teacher and mentor. She has blessed countless lives as she shared her talent performing in concerts, church services, with symphony orchestras, and in community events. Through her last days here on earth she was still sharing her musical gift.

Through her life, as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, JoAnn served faithfully in many organizations. Family was always the most important. She taught us how to love others, be responsible, do your best, the joy of working hard, and never skip dessert – in fact, start with it! Her 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren – with two on the way – were the joy of her life. When they walked into the room her face would light up.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Neal Masoner; her parents; and a brother, Gene.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Hancock; one brother, Bob (Wendy) Larson; her three children, Julie (Douglas) Ward, Annette (Adam) Christensen, and Michael (Adria) Masoner; her treasured grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 9, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley Idaho West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Ave., in Burley. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Friday, prior to the service, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/8EjBMphjldQ.

Condolences for JoAnn Larson Masoner

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Pat Funk:
What a neat lady. She blessed all that were around her. Love to all the fsmily.
From Gwen Steed (Cook) :
JoAnn was my piano teacher for several years. Always such a positive, kind woman and a genuine, loving mentor. For a short time, our family couldn't pay for lessons, but JoAnn wouldn't hear of us quitting! She let us do some housecleaning in exchange. I will always be so grateful. I loved to watch her play and was amazed at how her fingers would fly across the keys. Her gentleness and talent influenced many, and I can only imagine her joy at finally being able to meet all the great composers she taught me so much about. Sending my love and prayers.
From Michelle (Cahoon) Powell:
Your mom was an amazing daughter of God! We shared great memories together. Hugs! Prayers for peace and comfort at this time.
From Nola Asher:
My heart aches for your loss, but I know she is very happy and sharing her amazing talent in her heavenly home. We had some great Springdale memories. Pray you all feel peace.
From Lili Bennett :
JoAnn is the kind of lady who always took time to seek out and talk to even the most determined wallflowers, like myself as a teenager. She always made me feel like a somebody. That really made a difference in my life. I thought, “If this accomplished, put-together, sweet, lady who needs nothing from me is taking time to even acknowledge me, then maybe I have something to offer. Maybe I can be someone.”
So now the someone I want to be is who JoAnn always was. I hope to have her kindness, love, and compassion that reaches through to people’s souls.
From Imelda CantO:
I will al


I will never forget the sweetness of your mother. I felt so much joy every time I saw her. You are in my prayers.
From Cyndy Winn Teeter:
So many memories of fun camping trips. Gary getting hurt on his motorcycle and JoAnn almost scolding him for riding. Oh, the good old days, if only we could all go again. The Masoners, Struchens, Jacksons and the Winns. What a blast we would have. Think of the reunion, your dad is so happy. Now they are just waiting until the time comes when their family can be with them. Hopefully, we will all meet on the other side of the veil and go camping. Love you all.
From Guy and Lyn Arnell:
Annette I am so sorry for your loss. Much love and many prayers to your family.
From Brenda Jackson Cooper:
Dear Julie, Annette and Michael,
Our family sends our love and prayers to each of you. May you feel the Savior’s peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. We have reflected on so many memories with your mom and dad. A few that I’d like to share include coming to Piano Recitals at your home and enjoying your mother sharing her talent playing on her baby grand piano. Of course, the motorcycle and camping trips and movie nights at your house with the old film projector and a Disney movie. We enjoyed so many blessings growing up in a neighborhood of love. Your mother was always kind, generous and loving towards all who knew her. She loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. May she and your dad have a joyful reunion and may you feel peace and comfort through Jesus Christ! Our hearts mourn with you at your loss….we also rejoice in knowing that beyond the veil is a glorious reunion taking place!
From Lonnie and Gay Downs:
We are so blessed to have known dear JoAnn. She brightened the world with her amazing musical talent that she shared so graciously. She was truly an elect lady and will be missed by our entire community. Our prayers for Julie, Annette, and Mike and all of your families at this difficult time. So grateful to know that Families Are Forever!
From Ken, Billie Rae DeNaughel & Family & Leta Jackson:
Kown that the Masoner name is well known among so many friends throughout the years. Your parents were always a part of our family gatherings, outings & church events. We cherished theirs & your friendship. We know there is a great gathering going on the other side of the veil right now. May you find peace in knowing that families are forever!
From Barbara West:
We will miss this gift Lady. What a blessing to know her and her wonderful children. Happy reunion with Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
From Kathie Brown:
So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed living by your parents in Heyburn for a few years.
From Kevin and Maria Hoggan:
Our sincere condolences for the passing of your wonderful and sweet mother, grandmother and a wonderful and talented lady. She will be missed, but the memories will be around for all to remember her. Prayers for you all for peace and comfort at this time.
From Kris Frost:
Annette,
So sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories of your sweet mom.
From Brad and Dee Ann Holm:
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Thoughts are with your family at this time.
From Melissa Simmons:
Thinking of your family at this time. Sending hugs. She has influenced and inspired so many!
From DeAnna Woodhouse:
Sorry for your loss. JoAnn was a wonderful and sweet lady.
From Judy Zollinger:
JoAnn taught Tamara and Dawn piano lessons and she always remembered them and was so very kind. She will be missed but there is a beautiful reunion on the other side of the veil. Love to her family.
From Jan Manning:
It is wonderful that she is now with your father. It is hard when moms pass away, but stay close to each other and the Holy Ghost will comfort you! You are in my prayers.
From Stan and Betty Rasmussen :
Our sincerest condolences for the passing of JoAnn. Prayers of comfort for you all
From Betty Broadhead Wilson:
I was always in awe of JoAnn’s great talent on the piano and her pleasant attitude. She was a pleasure to know and a good example of working hard to perfect her talents.
From Brian & Debra Barlow:
JoAnn is a very sweet, wonderfully talented lady and we will miss her very much. Please know that our hearts, prayers and love are with your family at this time. She has meant so much to so many.

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