Joyce G. Larsen

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HUNTINGTON-Joyce G. Larsen, age 83, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at home after an extended illness. Joyce was born in Hiawatha, Utah, on June 20, 1926, to Vaughn and Clara Elizabeth Staker Gordon. She married Keith Andrew Larsen on Aug. 6, 1943. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on Jan. 31, 1944.
Joyce was a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the LDS Church with a strong testimony. She served as Relief Society President of the Huntington Fourth Ward and in many other positions in different organizations within the church.
She attended elementary school in Royal and Castle Gate, Utah. She graduated from North Emery High, College of Eastern Utah, and Utah State University in Logan, Utah, as valedictorian from the College of Education. She served as a secretary for Supt. Orson Petersen and later as an elementary school teacher in the Emery School District. She loved teaching children and helping them to learn.
Joyce had a pleasant personality and treated everyone like she would have liked to be treated. She loved her family, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. She was always glad to hear when a new baby was on the way to join the family. She enjoyed camping up Huntington Canyon and traveling to new places. She also loved taking trips to the San Rafael Desert. She liked sewing and quilting, was a member of the local quilting guild, and was able to make a quilt for each grandchild.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Keith; children: Keith Gary (Michael) Larsen of Huntington, Utah, Janice Gay (Louis Patrick Jr.) Leech of Midland, Texas, Carolee Larsen of Huntington, Utah, Garth (Colleen C.) Larsen of Cedar City, Utah, Robert Kurt (Becky B.) Larsen of Ferron, Utah, and Blair “J” (Maurdi Rae) Larsen of Huntington, Utah; two brothers: Ross V. (Reva) Gordon and Richard Brent (Hilary) Gordon, both of Huntington, Utah; a brother-in-law, Ronald John (Marilyn) Larsen of Lehi, Utah; 22 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vaughn and Clara Elizabeth Gordon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andrew Smith Larsen and Mary Gladys Larson Larsen; great-grandson, Skylar Jeffs; great-granddaughter, Desaray Wingo; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Mae Massey.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Huntington Stake Center (240 North Main). There was a viewing Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary in Castle Dale and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment was in the Huntington City Cemetery. Services were in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Joyce at www.fausettmortuary.com.