Joan Marie Leslie Martin, 89, a longtime resident of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, in Payson, Utah. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend.

Joan was born on September 21, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington, to Horace Neil Leslie and Grace Elvera Anderson. She filled her life with faith, service, creativity, music, learning—and above all—humility and love. Her greatest sources of joy and comfort were her faith in Jesus Christ and her family. She was married to her sweetheart, Ron, for almost 68 years. Together they raised six children and nurtured 43 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nine step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. They love her dearly.

Joan was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous ward and stake callings throughout her lifetime. She and Ron served a full-time mission at Vashon Island, Washington, which was a satellite campus of Ricks College (BYU-Idaho), and a service mission as an employment specialist. She often shared her testimony with others and humbly demonstrated her enduring faith in the Savior's teachings through her words and actions—even as she dealt with significant health challenges in her later years.

Music played a central role in Joan's life from an early age, and she was an accomplished pianist and organist. This brought her countless opportunities to serve and uplift others. She played George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" from memory at her graduation ceremony from Lincoln High School. Joan also played the organ in nearly every ward she attended in her adult life and in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg temples. One of her favorite pastimes was playing the piano in her living room surrounded by her family, especially at Christmastime.

Joan retired from Ricks College, where she worked for many years as the campus scheduler. She made many friends across campus and made good use of her legendary skills as a rapid typist. She held a variety of positions prior to her time there, including a stint in Cedar City as the bookkeeper at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in its early days. Her post-retirement years were filled with family activities, quilting and crafting with close friends, book club, and plenty of chocolate (M&M's and Almond Roca were favorites).

Education was important to Joan. She lived in Amanda Knight Hall while attending BYU in Provo for three semesters and spent the rest of her life in learning environments. She encouraged and supported her husband as he earned degrees from Southern Utah University and Utah State University before eventually settling into their longtime home in Southeast Idaho. She encouraged her children to receive an education, and all of them attended Ricks College. A voracious reader, Joan loved a good murder mystery as well as American history and other subjects. She had a sharp memory, keen intellect, and dry wit even until the very end of her mortal life.

Joan made every effort to create a loving and inviting home where her family and friends would feel welcome. She was a wonderful cook, a stylish decorator, a joyful Christmas enthusiast, and could beat anyone at a game of cards.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Jack. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; children, Lane (Bonnie) of Payson, Utah; Neil (Joelle) of Springville, Utah; Leslie (Wallace) Calder of Kaysville, Utah; Kyle (Alisha) of Nephi, Utah; Daryl (Rebecca) of Castle Rock, Colorado; and Jeffrey (Stacy) of Bishop, Georgia; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jean (Larry) Lazane of Apple Valley, California.

The funeral service for Joan will take place Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 608 W. 1400 S. St. in Payson, Utah. A viewing will precede the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Private interment will take place at the Scipio, Utah, Cemetery.