Joan L. Larkin

Joan L. Larkin passed away on March 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 19, 1947, in Murray, Utah, to Harry and Audrey Retallick, she was the oldest of three daughters. Raised in Midvale, she attended Hillcrest High School, where she began forming the strong community ties that would define her life.

She met the love of her life, Lane R. Larkin, while they lived in the same building in Midvale. The couple married on August 24, 1970, in Elko, Nevada, and built a rich life together. Together they raised four children: Jodi (Tim) Trujillo, Luana Payne, Lane Jr. (Jodi), and Joseph Larkin. Joan was a devoted mother who supported her children at every swim meet, enjoyed family camping and hunting trips, and remained actively involved in their school lives through the PTA.

After Lane’s retirement, Joan and her husband traveled extensively, taking cruises and making frequent visits to Jackson Hole, Disney World, Alaska, and Yellowstone. She cherished trips to Wendover with her family and took special delight in her grandchildren, often bringing them to museums, the aquarium, Thanksgiving Point, and other places filled with wonder. A meticulous and organized woman, Joan maintained a spotless home and took great pride in managing the family business and caring for its employees. She collected owls, elephants, dolls, duck decoys, bears, books, and many other treasures that reflected her wide-ranging interests. Above all, she was known for putting others before herself, expressing her love through quiet acts of service and unwavering care.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Audrey Retallick, and her niece, Shellie Ernest. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lane; her children, Jodi, Luana, Lane Jr., and Joseph; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Peg (Rex) Nelson and Jeri (Richard) Erdmann.