Joyce Anderson

Joyce Johnson Anderson, 72, died October 2, 2006 in Idaho Falls. Joyce was born on July 9, 1934, in Rigby to Alvin Cleo Johnson and Josephine Perry Johnson. She grew up in Rigby, and at a very young age eloped with her sweetheart, Max Duaine Anderson, in 1951. Of this marriage came eight wonderful children, consisting of five girls and three boys. They raised their children in Garden Grove, California. Joyce and Max were married 22 years and then divorced. Even though she hadn’t graduated from high School, Joyce was very intelligent and knowledgeable in the business world, doing various managerial jobs. For years, Joyce managed three fabric stores while being a single mom. She eventually went back to school and, at the age of 60, received her GED. A proud day for all! Joyce raised her young family in the gospel, teaching them who God is and the reason we came to earth was to show our love, trust and respect to God by obeying his commandments he has given to all of us. Joyce taught her children right from wrong, along with how to work hard and be responsible. Her passion was sewing. Joyce would make anything from a wedding dress to veils, Jackets, slippers, quilts, etc. She even taught all her daughters how to sew. In fact, if the girls were going to go out on a date, they would sew a new outfit in half a day. Active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joyce served in many leadership and teaching positions. Her favorite was leading the singing time with the children, because she loved to sing. In her later years, Joyce’s health became weak. However, she still carried on with life, working, determined, spiritual and practical as long as possible. Around a year ago, Joyce decided to move into an assisted living center as her health deteriorated. She made new friends who became like family to her. Graceful, beautiful, giving and fun are words to describe our Mother, Sister, Daughter, Granny J. She is survived by her children, Launa Anderson of Idaho Falls, Kathy (Darryl) Frisbie of Running Springs, Calif., Becky (Sargent) Ames of Menifee, Calif., Dodie (David) Harmon of Rigby, Barbara (Steven) Parker of Benson, Ariz., Martin (Terry) Anderson of Rigby, and David (Brook) Anderson of Reno, Nev.; three sisters, Karen (Buzz) Payne of Kaysville, UT., Myrna (Marden) Seivers of Rigby, and DeLaine (Ira) DeSpain of Rigby; one brother, Perry (Joy) Johnson of Montpelier; 25 grandchildren: and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant son, J.M. Anderson, next to whom she will be buried. A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2006 at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.