Fang Feng Joan Wiles

Fang Feng Joan Wiles Fang Feng Joan Wiles was born on April 10, 1936, in Taipei, Taiwan. Her birth name was Fang-Feng Koow (pronounced Fawn Fen Kwoo). She was the third of five daughters. As an infant, her family moved to Manchuria, China, where her father practiced as a medical doctor.

A few years later, Fang Feng’s father passed away. Her mother, known as Grandma Li,returned to Taiwan with her daughters, where Fang Feng and her sisters were raised.Joan often recalled her childhood in Taiwan during World War II, when soldiers would use her family’s home for food storage and military planes would fly overhead. These experiences, frightening for a young child, remained vivid throughout her life.

In the late 1950s, Fang Feng met and married Troy C. Wiles Jr., an American serviceman in the U.S. Air Force. They lived in Taiwan, raising their children, Debbie and Brendia. Shortly after Brendia’s birth, Troy was reassigned, and the family relocated to the United States. This move meant Fang Feng had to say goodbye to her mother and sisters, and many years would pass before they were reunited.

The family first settled in Rantoul, Illinois, where their son Frank was born. A few years later, they moved to Portland, Oregon, eventually making their home in nearby Hazel Dell, Washington. There, they welcomed two more children, Marie and David. Tragically,Marie passed away shortly before her first birthday. Joan and Troy carried the grief of losing a child throughout their lives.

After Troy retired from the Air Force, the family experienced several more moves before settling in Marysville, Washington, where their youngest child, Kathleen, was born.

Joan was a strong-willed and complex woman. She took pride in her Asian heritage and frequently reminisced about her childhood and life in Taiwan with her mother and sisters. She passed down family traditions, such as making wontons, which became an“all-hands-on-deck” activity with her children and later with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Though she grew up Buddhist, Joan was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband after coming to the United States. She said the reason they converted was the loving spirit they felt when missionaries came into their home. Throughout her life, she welcomed missionaries over for dinner and would share her experience with them.

In the 1980s, Joan graduated from Cosmetology School and opened her own hair salon, “The Golden Shear”, demonstrating her resilience and independence in a new country. She took pride in her work, styling hair for customers and family alike, and found joy in the craft she had mastered.

Joan had a deep and abiding love for music. For over 20 years, she faithfully served as the ward chorister, thoughtfully selecting hymns for each meeting. She took great pride in this calling, often researching and prayerfully seeking inspiration to choose music that would bring meaning, comfort, and spiritual strength to each program.

In 2007, her husband,Troy passed away. Joan later moved to Boise, Idaho, where some of her children lived. In 2016 she relocated to Southern California to live with her daughter Kathleen, her son-in-law Michael, and her grandson Jacob.

Joan Wiles passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, surrounded by her daughters Kathleen and Brendia, her son-in-law Michael, and her grandson Jacob.

Joan faced many hardships throughout her life, yet her final weeks were marked by a profound sense of gratitude, reflection, and peace. During this time, she expressed love more openly, offered heartfelt apologies, and showed a gentleness that deeply touched those around her. These moments brought comfort to her family and will be remembered as a meaningful and lasting part of her life.

Joan is survived by her children: Debbie Siddoway of Boise, Idaho; Brendia Leatham of Ogden, Utah; Frank Wiles of Queen Creek, Arizona; David Wiles of Nampa, Idaho; and Kathleen Ochoa of Chino, California; as well as 22 grandchildren and 22great-grandchildren.

We love and miss you Mom.