Joan Salter Wierson

Nee Joan Adele Hanney

9/16/1926 ~ 05/15/2016

Joan Salter Wierson passed away May 15, 2016 after a four month illness. Of Welsh and English descent, she was born and raised in Hiawatha, Kansas. Joan moved to Winter Park, Florida at the age of 14. She attended Rollins College and Florida State University, where she was “Miss Co-educational” as FSU and UF became coed. It was here that she met UF student Richard Sexton Salter, Jr., married, and moved to Phoenix in 1947 where they raised three surviving children. Divorced after nearly 25 years, Joan remarried Rudolph (Rudy) Wierson for 28 years.

Joan retired from the Arizona Department of Education after thirty years as an executive assistant. She loved horses, dogs, camping, reading, shopping, traveling, friends of Bill W., her family, and most of all, her God. Called the “Prayer Warrior” by family, Joan’s inner and outer spirit were truly beautiful.

She is survived by her children, Richard Sexton Salter III (Norma), Scott Edward Salter (Pamme’), and Sue Salter Dietrich (Thomas), grandchildren Kimberly Cortright, Ryan Murphey, Richard S. Salter IV, Stephen Salter, Christine Salter, and Diana Salter Stack. Joan loved and prayed for nine great grandchildren. Her family may miss her presence but is comforted knowing she is with her Father, in whom she trusted completely.

Joan’s Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. May 19 th at St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley, AZ. Visitation from 9:00-9:45 a.m. Friday, May 20 th is followed by her Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. in the Music Center at St. Barnabas.