January 14, 1957 to February 22, 2023
Joni Lee Hampshire Fitzgerald, age 66, of Roosevelt, Utah, returned to her Heavenly Father on Feb. 22, 2023, surrounded by family after a long and hard battle with cancer.
Joni was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Paul Hampshire and Joan Jones on Jan. 14, 1957. She spent most of her childhood in Bountiful, Utah, but moved in her teenage years and graduated from Temple City High School in California in 1975. From there, she moved back to Bountiful and later met and married Don Fitzgerald. They moved to Roosevelt where they raised their three children: Lindsie, Brittany and Dustin, and built a beautiful life together. Their love grew strong, especially as Don stood by her side and took great care of her during her difficult cancer battle. You could feel the love they shared, even into their last earthly moments together.
She worked at Plateau Refinery for a short time. She later gained a passion and career working for the Duchesne County School District, where she gave over three decades of service to children and families of the community; primarily at Con Amore, Kings Peak Elementary, and also the District Office.
Joni was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many callings, including the Young Women and Relief Society organizations. Her presence and service impacted many lives in the community, both in the schools and church settings.
Joni had a passion for dance and taught ballet and Jog Jazz in the 80s. She loved music of many genres, ranging anywhere from barbershop quartets to rock concerts with her kids. She always had music playing in her home and was not afraid to dance no matter when or where she was.
Joni loved spending time in nature; camping, hiking, and yearly trips to Snowbird with family. She loved getting away to the sunny beaches of California whenever possible. Joni loved animals and had several pets throughout her life. Much to her original city girl dismay, Joni grew to love the small town “farm life” and enjoyed helping Don on their cattle ranch. She also spent several summers helping Dustin with 4-H show calves including one Grand Champion.
Her kids and grandkids were the highlight of her life. She always made sure there was never a need unmet. birthdays, holidays, and vacations were always spectacular.
Joni always showed perfect love to those around her and had a way of making everyone feel loved, accepted, and important. Her inner beauty was matched by her outer beauty, and you could always be sure she was fashionable, from her hair and makeup to clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Joni was lovingly known by friends and family by many names, such as Mom, Gram, Auntie Shone, Juicebox, Casper, Joni Baloney, Miss Joni, JFitz, among several others.
Joni is survived by her husband of 45 years, Don; children, Lindsie, Brittany (Mike), and Dustin; grandchildren, Kailee, Kelsie, Braden, and Jackson; her parents, Paul and Joan “Mazee”; siblings, Stephanie (Reed), Troy, Cory, Todd (Sondra); pets, Baxter (dog), Frosty (cat); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Utah Cancer Specialists; specifically Anita, Dr. Nibley, Michelle, and many nurses for the outstanding oncology care they provided, as well as Dr. Smith and Karen at the UBMC Clinic.
Special thanks to friends and family for sharing hundreds of memories of Joni on Facebook. We are overcome by the amount of love and support you all shared, and will cherish your messages in our hearts forever.
Services will be on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Central Park Ward Chapel, 32 S. State St., Roosevelt. Viewings will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary and Saturday at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Interment will be at Roosevelt Memorial Park.
Condolences may be shared at www.hullingermortuary.com.