Joyce McGregor Kinnersley, 84, of Salt Lake City passed away on February 10, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Joyce was born on February 3, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ronald Durham and Katherine Groesbeck McGregor. She married her sweetheart, Russell Blair Kinnersley, Jr. on June 17, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple.
She attended Douglas Elementary, Roosevelt Jr High, and graduated from East High School in 1956. She then went on to get her Accounting degree from the University of Utah. She was part of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority at “the U.” She worked for Baker Shoe Store, Industrial Uranium Co, and in the University of Utah Epidemiology department.
She was a wonderful companion to her husband and loving mother to her children. Her house was a house of order and learning. She was an avid reader and encouraged her children to read and educate themselves. She taught by example. She handled her adversity and challenges with a cheerful heart. She never complained because of her misfortunes but reached out to others with love and encouragement. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed reading to them and playing games with them when they were small.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the presidencies of the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. She was called the “Birthday Lady” because she called everyone in her ward on their birthday. This eventually became her actual church calling.
She is survived by her children, Douglas B. Kinnersley, Lawrence R. (Marla) Kinnersley, and Angela (Michael) Hatch, 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Jean Gay McGhie and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband, Russell, her son, Ronald B. Kinnersley, her parents, and her sister, Janet Riley.
We appreciate the dedicated service of the staff and caregivers at Sandy Health & Rehab, as well as family, friends, and many former neighbors who brought cheer to her life.
There will be a private family funeral held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, Utah. A private family viewing will precede the funeral from 10:00-10:45 am.
Recording of the services can be found at larkinmortuary.com
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Kristen Benson
I grew up in Chula Vista, California in the 1960s and Joyce's six year-old son Ronald was in my first grade school class and Primary class. I remember when he passed away and it broke my heart as he was such a sweet friend and classmate. When I heard that Joyce had passed away I actually cried tears of joy that she could be reunited with her son that she had lost so long ago. As a mother and grandmother, I can only envision a beautiful reunion with her husband and son.
To Joyce and Russell Kinnersley's family. Pat and I have known your parents and grandparents for many years, being a part of the "Good Group" that met in our different homes each month, then at dinners at restaurants and finally at late luncheons as we got older. We loved your parents and the fun laughter we all had together at our monthly dinners and the several Springs that we all went together as families to the Cox ranch in Wyoming. Many of these wonderful friends have now passed on but we anticipate a future time when we will all meet together again. May the wonderful, comforting blessings from our Heavenly Father be with each one of you now and throughout your lives as you remember your dear parents and grandparents. We loved and now remember our dear friends, Joyce and Russell. Our sincere love to each of you. Ron and Pat Culverwell