Joyce Elaine Durham Larsen

Joyce Elaine Durham Larsen passed away June 30, 2022, after a joyful life. She was born December 21, 1931, to George H. and Mary Ellen (Nellie) Marsden Durham, 1123 Lake Street, Liberty Park 31st Ward. Her family, music, trips to her ancestral home in Parowan, and the beautiful Utah Parks colored her childhood days. From her gifted parents, Joyce enjoyed piano lessons, operas, symphonies, theater, great literature, a love for service, history, and the scriptures.

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She survived the 1943 polio epidemic and graduated from East High having participated in debate, A’capella, Utah Girls State, and DAR. Her four happiest school years were the University of Utah where she was a member of Spurs, Cwean, Mortar Board, Beehive, Phi Kappa Phi, lettered in debate, choirs, institute, and Alpha Chi Omega. She was elected ASUU 1st Vice President and served as ASUU President, graduating with High Honors in Elementary Education 1953. Here she met a handsome Danish returned missionary, Boyd D. Larsen. They were married August 12, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple with Elder LeGrand Richards officiating. They welcomed four wonderful children: David (Judy), Gregory (Tracy deceased, Sandra) Ann (Sau Fifita) Steven (Melanie).

Joyce is survived by 22 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd D. Larsen, her parents, and siblings: G. Homer, Wilby, Lowell, Marsden, Wayne, Thomas LaMar and Jean Marie Durham.

Joyce was very grateful for her handcart pioneer heritage, priesthood leaders, her callings as Grant Stake Relief Society President, Ward Relief Society President, Church Correlation Committee member, teacher, and CES LDS Charity Missions to Fiji, Thailand, Mynamar and Cambodia. She was blessed to revisit these “Carry on.” sites with the children and grandchildren.

With a “heart-felt thank you” Joyce expresses great appreciation for family and extended family, to Janet Durham Tate who brought Joyce’s journal to life, dear friend Phyllis Ensign, and her compassionate physician Dr. Reid B. Hales. We express a special thank you to Valeo hospice care for their service during the last several months.

Everyone please “Carry on.”

A celebration of her life will be held July 9th at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3400 South 11th East. There is a viewing at the Church from 9 -9:45 AM prior to the service.

Joyce’s family will be pleased to welcome friends and family at the church on Friday July 8th, from 6-8 pm. Burial will be Elysian Gardens. Joyce invites those who wish to wear a splash of “green” her favorite color.