Joan Elizabeth White, 89, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Rock Springs.
She was born Nov. 1, 1936, in Casper. Joan’s life was one of resilience, love, and dedication.
Joan was raised in Riverton, she attended local schools, where she laid the foundation for her strong work ethic and lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She channeled these traits into her 25-year career as a skilled mine mechanic and the first woman underground miner at Staufer/OCI a role she fulfilled with pride until her retirement in 2001.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Joan was a cherished matriarch of her family.
She married Glen “Johnny” White in April of 1954 and later divorced. He preceded her in death in September 1976.
Joan created a home within the community of Rock Springs. She was a devoted mother who built a family and life, rich with shared memories, love, and laughter. She greatly cherished the wild times with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where her presence will be profoundly missed. Known for her kindness, strength, and sense of humor, Joan made a lasting impact of those who knew her, guiding her family with grace and steadfastness.
Survivors included two sons, Donald White of Rock Springs; Samuel White of Rock Springs; three daughters, Charity Hannah and husband Sam of Rock Springs; Jona Sills and husband Chris of Denver; Jodene Watson and husband Mark of South Jordan, Utah; ten grandchildren; Johnathan White Sr.; Daniel White and wife Medea; Sarah Egbert and husband Mitch; Aja Oeser and husband Mitch; Tracy Davis and husband Craig; Rachel Kloefkorn; Kayla White; Kristopher White and wife Burgandy; Zackery White; Kelly Hannah and wife Kaleigh; several great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father, Samuel Burtch; mother, Helen Dougherty and husband Vern; two sisters, Barbara Applehans and husband Frank; Donna Evans and husband Thomas “Tommy”; one grandson, Benjamin Watson; one granddaughter, Shyanne Hannah; one great-grandson, Johnathan White Jr.
The family respectfully requests donations be made in Joan’s name to Hospice of Sweetwater County, 333 Broadway Street, Suite 220, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, August 31, 2026 at the Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2026 in the Mountain View Cemetery, 3540 US Highway 26, Riverton, Wyoming.
The family invites those who knew and loved Joan to leave condolences and share memories at www.vasefuneralhomes.com
Joan’s life was a testament to the strength of family ties, the impact of hard work, and the beauty of a loving heart. Her memory will forever be cherished by the family and friends she leaves behind.
