Joan Huston

Joan Huston of Tempe, Arizona, passed away after a short illness on June 26, 2021. She was born July 23, 1931, on a small farm in Locust Grove Township in south west Iowa. One of six children of Leo and Hope Bangs, Joan studied nursing at the University of Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Gary Huston, who she married in Iowa City in 1952.

Joan’s nursing career started in Iowa City. She and Gary moved to Tempe in 1962, when Gary was offered a position at Arizona State University. Once their three children were older, Joan worked at several Tempe schools, spending the final 15 years of her career as School Nurse at McKemy Middle School. After Gary’s retirement, they traveled extensively, making trips all over the world, including Pakistan, Egypt and Africa.

Joan’s life centered around her family and her church. Photos of her four grandchildren at every age were prominently displayed around her home, and she took particular pride in her granddaughter Mackenzie’s decision to follow in her footsteps as a nurse. Joan’s church was Tempe First United Methodist Church, where she was very active in the United Methodist Women. Joan was known as a prolific baker, making many dozens of cookies for the church’s holiday cookie sale (always saving a few for the grandkids!) She was acknowledged by the church for her support in feeding the homeless population, for which she made over 10,000 sandwiches. A lifetime avid reader, Joan also enjoyed her book club, and she kept a diary of everything she read.

Joan is survived by her three children, David, Carol and Eric, her sister Judy, and four grandchildren, Shannon, Mackenzie, Zoe and Jonathan.

Joan was passionate about feeding and educating the world’s disadvantaged children. Donations to the United Methodist Women would contribute to that cause and would be deeply appreciated.

We will celebrate Joan’s life on November 20th at 1PM, at Tempe First United Methodist Church, 215 E University Dr. in Tempe.All are welcome.