Joan Foster Bigler

Joan Foster Bigler 1930 ~ 2017, 87, passed away September 21, 2017 in Scottsdale, AZ after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born August 16, 1930 in Ogden, Utah to Harvey Payne Foster and Ella Louise Smout Foster, she married Kenneth Dewain Bigler on January 26, 1949 in the Beaver Dam, UT LDS church. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in January 2017. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her unconditional love enriched her family and friends. The reflection of her wonderful character is shown in the loving family she leaves behind.

Joan graduated from Bear River High School in northern Utah, and after her children were grown, she attended cosmetology school and enjoyed a successful career as a manicurist for over 20 years. She had a great love and talent for music. She enjoyed directing and singing in ward and stake choirs. She was a gifted seamstress, swimmer, artist and crafter. One of her greatest joys was beautifying her home and creating a loving environment for her family. Her legacy of creativity, talent, and sensitivity will be missed by all those who knew her. She served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Ward Chorister, President of the Ward Primary, and Counselor in the Stake Primary. She loved the gospel, and on August 25, 1966, she and Ken and their five children were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, twin sister Jean Foster Simmons, brother Stephen Harvey Foster, and daughter-in-law Sandra Bigler. She is survived by her husband, children Stephen (Rebecca); Kathleen Taylor (David); Daniel; LeRon; and James, all of Arizona; and eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She loved her family dearly. The family expresses special thanks to the nurses, aides and staff of the Gardens of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ and Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ who provided wonderful service of comfort and support to the family. Also, a heart-felt thanks for the Eldorado Ward Relief Society's compassionate service.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Eldorado Ward Chapel, 2202 North 74th Street, Scottsdale, AZ with Bishop Robert Alconcel conducting. Friends and family may call at the church prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Green Acres Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ.