Joyce Denison Gardner

Joyce Denison Gardner of St. George, Utah passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Joyce was born on August 23, 1950 to Amel J. Denison and Rose Huntington Denison in Price, Utah. She recalled having a “happy childhood” growing up in Price, Utah. Joyce loved tagging along with Annette, her sister who was only 2 years older than her. Annette was there with Joyce, holding her hand when she passed on to rejoin her loved ones. Joyce enjoyed school and was the first female Jr. High School Student Body President. She was active in her church as she served in Young Women leadership callings and in student activities through high school. She met her eternal sweetheart in high school and began their friendly courtship during a musical production of South Pacific. They began dating in earnest when she asked him to the Sweetheart’s Dance in February of 1969 while attending The College of Eastern Utah and by June they were engaged and were married November 1, 1969 and were subsequently sealed for eternity the following November 25, 1970 in the Manti Utah Temple.

Joyce achieved her Associate of Science degree from CEU and later was bestowed the P.H.T. (Put Hubby Through) acknowledgement from the Eccles School of Business /University of Utah where Bob received his MBA. For the next 43 years, their lives included having their 3 children in 3 different states with a total of 11 moves within the United States from the deep south, to the Midwest to California and finally back to Utah. Joyce worked with the LDS Social Services for 6 years in several states and for a jewelry company in Southern California until moving in 2004 to Simi Valley, where she declared her personal retirement.

Joyce loved to travel around the USA and to other countries too. She enjoyed ocean cruises, vacations to England, Australia, France, Hawaii, St. Maarten, and Germany. Her real joy came in planning family get togethers, holidays and reunions. Family and friends enjoyed Luaus, fiestas, Mardi Gras King Cakes, Frogmore Stew, Oscar Theme Parties, Grinchmasses and many more themed parties. She made each and every birthday special. Joyce was truly in her element as she spent quality time with her children and grandchildren. Each child would her say “Hi Honey!” and “I love you!” whether in person or through technology. She truly made her home a piece of Heaven on earth. It was filled with love, family, friends, hugs, smiles, encouragement, and peace.

Joyce will be remembered for her faith in God, a faith which strengthened her through various health challenges. Joyce served the Lord in whatever capacity she was asked to. She always accepted the call to serve. She held callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Primary Teacher, Young Women President, Relief Society President, Primary President, Relief Society Instructor, Activities Chairman, and many others. She has been the glue which binds the family together. “Imagine me and you and you and me”, a line from her wedding song “Happy Together” by The Turtles was a line she would randomly sing out. She has imagined and pondered about her eternal relationships with her Heavenly Father, her sweet eternal companion, children, and grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Irene Rose Harmon. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. (Bob) Gardner, two siblings, Annette (Ted) Fitzgerald, and Richard Amel (SuEllen) Denison, and three children: Brett (Valerie) Gardner, Tracy Ann (Dennis) Weber, Elaina Mea Ardillo, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2668 E Crimson Ridge Dr ST GEORGE, Utah 84790 with a viewing prior to services from 9:30 to 10:30 am.  There will also be a viewing on the evening of Friday March 11, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Hughes Mortuary located at 1037 East 700 South, St. George, Utah 84790.

The memorial service will also be broadcast live online and may be viewed later on the following link:  https://youtu.be/rv0H0ITCPaM

 Interment will follow the services in the Washington City, Utah Cemetery