Joann Nora Youngdell Putnam Lay's Obituary
Joann Nora Youngdell Putnam Lay, our beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, returned to her Father in Heaven on June 9, 2026.
She was born on January 29, 1938, the daughter of Nora Heaps Youngdell and Arthur Youngdell. She married James Ruben Putnam Sr., and together they had six children before later divorcing.
Joann devoted her life to caring for children. She was a stay-at-home mom to her six children and also helped raise her grandson, Chad.
Later in life, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in secondary education through Pacific Lutheran University and Weber State University. After becoming a licensed educator, she spent many years working as a substitute teacher, positively impacting many students’ lives. She also served as “Nanny Ann,” helping care for her grandchildren Alexandria, Andrew, Jocelyn, and Tyler.
Joann was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and took great pride in serving the Lord through her various callings.
Joann enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting stuffed bears, antique dolls, and shoe Figurines. She was known for her incredible baking, creating many wedding and birthday cakes for friends and family. We will sorely miss her carrot and spice cakes (and her).
She is survived by her children Christine Bush; James Ruben Putnam Jr.; Frank Dean (Jackie) Putnam; and Jeffrey Lee (Brittany) Putnam; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Larry (Dionne) Youngdell and Linda Wilson; and her beloved dog Kreature.
She was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, two children: Kathleen and Daniel, and her grandson Ryan.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the West Bountiful LDS church at 311 north 800 west, West Bountiful, Utah.
Afterwards, a graveside service will be held at 11:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Bountiful City Cemetery located at 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.
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