Joyce M. Kinnersley

1938 ~ 2022

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 service can be found above at the "Watch Service" button


Guestbook/Condolences

Such a special lady whose kindness, courage and strength will never be forgotten . So privileged to have met Sister Kinnersley.


- Marian Deacon Forsyth

So sad to hear of Aunt Joyce's passing. But, know she is now free of her MS and enjoying time with Russ and Ronnie, as well as myriads of other friends and family. Aunt Joyce was always a very positive influence in my life - from the time I was a small child looking forward to seeing her whenever we travelled to SLC. I fondly remember her reception as I felt very important as a "flower girl" standing in the reception line. I always loved visiting her and Uncle Russ. Her cheery disposition made her so much fun to visit.


- Shaunna McGhie

It was with great sadness to learn about Joyce. I had very recently tried to call her but never got through. She was an angel of a Lady who set a wonderful example of love and smiling cheerfulness. Her husband was my Elder who taught me and my husband the gospel,through him we became good friends.Etenal love xx


- Elsie (Deacon) Power

My deepest condolences to Doug, Larry, Angela and their children, on the passing of their mother and grandmother. Aunt Joyce and Uncle Russ were always very kind to me and to many others who crossed their paths. I will cherish my memories of Joyce, who will always hold a special place in my heart.


- Matthew McGhie

We loved Joyce and Russ. They were special friends and neighbors. The service was so nice and a beautiful tribute to Joyce. She was such a happy, positive person. One of Joyce and Russ's dear friends, Lyn Headman, would love to relate some wonderful memories of their time together in Chula Vista when Lyn and Russ served in a bishopric together. His number is 801-755-4295 and he lives in St.George.

May you all be abundantly blessed with the Lord's peace and take comfort in Russ and Joyce and Ronnie's reunion. Joyce and Russ lived a good life devoted to their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Love, Karen and Bill Garff

We loved Joyce and Russ. Joyce was such a positive, happy person. What a lovely service and great tribute to Joyce. Lyn Headman, a friend and co-counselor in the Chula Vista Ward with Russ would love to share some memories from the California days with you if you would like to call him. His phone number is 801-755-4295 and he lives in St. George.

May you all be blessed with an abundance of the Lord's peace and take comfort that Joyce led a life well-lived, devoted to her family and her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Love, Bill and Karen Garff


- Karen Garff

I loved Russ and Joyce. They were wonderful examples of compassion, love and kindness to everyone they came in contact with. My association with Joyce began when we worked together in the Relief Society when I was Relief Society. When tines were difficult she never complained but was always cheerful.
I have wonderful memories of Russ and Joyce when we were in a dinner group with Russ and Joyce for at least twenty years. When their turn came around, Russ did their share of the cooking and Joyce was the "Hostess with the Mostest".
I am so happy to had Joyce and Russ in my life.
Thanks for the Memories.
"A FRIEND IS A PRESENT YOU GIVE YOURSELF" robert Louis Stevenson


- Emma Lou R. Moray

Joyce will always be remembered by us as a devoted wife to her husband, and a good friend to all who knew her. We always looked forward to her sweet and cheerful phone call on each birthday. She was 100% dependable. She lived long with the frustration of not being able to do more, but she did her best at whatever she was asked, and did it with love and devotion. Thank you Joyce for your service. Jon and Susan Dunn


- Jon and Susan Dunn

I was a neighbor many years ago on Hubbard Ave in the Yalecrest Ward. I still think of Joyce to this day. She was such a sweet friend. I am making her cherry dessert today and that, of course, made me think of her. I think of her often but especially every time I make this dessert. I look forward to the day when I can see her again and give her a great big hug. Much love to her sweet, beautiful children who won't remember me, but I remember you when you were small.


- Pat Gould