Joyce B Harper, born July 8, 1929, to J Earl, and Stella Marie Bolton, passed away peacefully amongst family and friends on July 15, 2022, one week following her 93rd birthday.
Joyce grew up in Sugarhouse alongside her siblings Sherman, Bernice, and Doug. She graduated from South High school and was thought by classmates and teachers to be a "swell gal.”
Joyce married Ross Spence Harper in 1947. They celebrated 64 years together until Ross passed in 2011.
Joyce is survived by sons Ross Craig (Chris), Jesse Paul (Susan), and Bradford J, along with 9 grandchildren and 13+ great-grandchildren.
After supporting and raising her boys in school, little league, and scouts, Joyce was hired by Grand Central, working the camera and fishing bar. Extra income afforded Joyce and Ross a new truck, camper, and boat. Joyce truly enjoyed fishing every hole in Utah and Wyoming and she knew ALL the tricks! She was "the red-headed, spicy, screaming, professional fisherwoman" and she loved her reputation. Joyce had no problem telling you the “way it is” and we loved her for it.
They bought property in Manila and enjoyed fishing, building up their second home, entertaining family & friends, and enjoying life to its fullest.
Joyce's cooking was that of a culinary master chef. She was famous for making meals of any cuisine. She could do it all! Joyce and Ross also loved many cats through the years.
Joyce was a Utah Jazz fan, always loving to watch, talk the talk, and telling whoever listened what they needed to do to be better! She was thrilled to attend an occasional game in person.
In February 2020 Joyce was diagnosed with Dementia. In December, during winter snows and rampant Covid, Joyce agreed to “snowbird” in a warmer climate and flew to Phoenix, Arizona to visit Craig and Chris. She enjoyed walks, bird watching, golf ball hunting out by the course, planting potted flowers, and caring for them, and gourmet food daily. She played puzzles, watched Jeopardy, Family Feud, Bold and the Beautiful, golf, and lots of Jazz games. She enjoyed coffee and cocktails daily in a "safe loving environment." It had its challenges, but Dementia and times in Covid are not always fun. She was losing so much, her independence, control, dignity, and her mind.
In early Summer, Joyce returned to Salt Lake and resided at The Ridge Cottonwood a senior living community in Holladay, Utah. In the beginning of her 13-month residency, she was confused and lost, but almost immediately stated. "If you need to be someplace like this...this is the place to be". She quickly adjusted and made it her home, enjoying many activities and friends!
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Joyce Harper, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She will forever be remembered for the beautiful spirit she had! She truly lived for all her 93 years.
Thank you and forever grateful:
East Vine Street Gal Pals
Cathy Cooper
The Ridge Cottonwood
Utah Health Care and Hospice
National and Utah Alzheimer's Association and Crisis Line
Christina Harper
Funeral Services will be held on July 19, 2022, at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South). Viewings are on Monday, July 18, 2022, from the hours of 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Tuesday prior to the funeral from 10:00 – 1045 am. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
I wish that my friendship and love bring you some peace during this difficult time. May Joyce rest in peace and remain forever in our hearts 💕
I will always remember Aunt Joyce fondly. When we were young, we had big Thanksgiving and Christmas parties with all of the cousins. It was so much fun and Aunt Joyce often had them at her house with all the good food and good company. She was a real fireball and we loved her! She will be missed.
Am so missing you always especially when Thursdays at 1:00 pm comes around. My condolences to all her family..
I was so honored to be able to be a friend of Joyces and to get to know her wonderful family. She will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family that she loved so much.
So sorry to hear of your loss she was a wonderful lady, mother and friend.
Sadness is what we feel with the passing of Aunt Joyce. She lived a long life. I have fond memories from my younger days when all the families were together at picnics and celebrations. She will be able to celebrate with those that have gone before, maybe it will be at the best fishing hole and Uncle Ross will have his partner by his side again. Remember the good times and you will always smile.
Eddie & Kathy Rice
My heart is a little sad, losing my funny-happy-crazy cousin. We had a lot of fun-loving reunions. Lots of memories. She is finally with her Mother, which she didn't get to met in this life, and her Dad she loved very much. See you someday, Joyce. Love Margie..
My deepest condolences to all of the Harper Family.
I so appreciate that Joyce always loved Jeremy and kept him in her heart.
Much love to you all.
I have such fond memories of Aunt Joyce. She was always quick witted and had a twinkle in her eye. She was fun loving and whenever I think of her she is smiling or laughing. I treasure the family parties we had when I was younger and grew up getting to know her and having her a part of my life.
As the obit stated, she was a marvelous cook. Mom always wished she could cook like Aunt Joyce and Aunt Bernice. If I ever needed a good recipe, they were the ones to turn to! She will be missed, but remembered with a smile.
Im sad Joyce had some issues in the end . Happy she is in a better place watching over everyone now. I was blessed to attend her 80th birthday. It was one of the best if not THE best party ive ever attended. What a great woman. Heaven is better with her there.
Im sad Joyce had some issues in the end . Happy she is in a better place watching over everyone now. I was blessed to attend her 80th birthday. It was one of the best if not THE best party ive ever attended. What a great woman. Heaven is better with her there.
So sorry to know Joyce has passed. I worked with her at Grand Central. My husband Richard and I had
Many fun times with Ross and Joyce! My condolences to all her family! She was a super person to know!