Joan Craven Nixon

Joan Craven Nixon passed peacefully to the other side on Saturday, the 7th of November 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, love and service. Joan was born in 1932 in Ogden, Utah during the Great Depression. She was born to Adelbert R. (Deb) and Catharine Hendershot Craven. She became the 3rd generation of the Craven family to live in Ogden.

Her family taught her a love for God and his creations, along with an appreciation for freedom and country. She graduated from Ogden High and attended Weber College, where she met Paul Nixon at an LDS Institute Halloween party. He later baptized her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were married in August 1953. Together, they created warm and welcoming homes in many places, including Casper, Wyoming; Duncanville, Texas; and Provo, Utah.

Family was her greatest priority, and she was the driving force behind 35 family reunions, setting an example for many about the importance of family and traditions. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She cherished the rustic family cabin in Wyoming near the Tetons. First with her parents and siblings, and later with her own kids and grandkids enjoying the sublime pleasures of nature and loving family relationships.

Joan's life was profoundly shaped by her devotion to Jesus Christ. She found immense joy in serving and teaching others. She had an abiding passion for family history and temple work, and served for 15 years as a volunteer in the BYU Family History Center. Later, she served with Paul in the Provo temple. She lived what she believed. She wrote “I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the very foundation of my life.”

She dedicated her life to serving others and the Lord. Her service included PTA, local elections, United Way, LDS family & social services, the Missionary Training Center, years of family history and temple work, and many church callings. As a Cub Scout leader, she strengthened the scouting program for a sizable part of Wyoming. She loved serving with LDS Social Services Foster Care, Welcome Baby helping new mothers, and as the Adoptions Secretary. She loved and supported the Now I Can Foundation, helping children with disabilities. Simply put, like the Savior, she went about doing good.

Gifted as both a homemaker and an executive, she was just as comfortable leading and speaking in front of large groups as she was baking bread in the kitchen.

Joan was a gatherer. She united her family for birthdays, dinners and reunions, and consistently reached out to cousins, extended relatives, and friends going through challenges. Through her example and unconditional love, she gathered everyone she met to the Lord and His Gospel.

She was not a big sports fan unless her children or grandchildren were playing. Then she hated to miss a game.

She travelled extensively, and some of her favorite trips were to ancestral homes like Ireland, Scotland, England, and the midwest.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her beloved husband Paul, children David (Camille), Ray (Panda), Dell (Laura), Tom (Laurel), and Cathy, and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deb and Catharine Craven, her siblings, Herman Craven, Sherma Ballif, Peggy Doughty, Katie Craven and her grandson, Rob Nixon.

Her family is very grateful for the caring staff at Legacy Village and to her friends and walking partners who blessed her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Now I Can Foundation at: https://nowican.org/donate