Joyce Mansell Wheeler, born June 12, 1931 to Esther Lowella Hadlock & Lawrence William Mansell passed from this mortal journey peacefully on October 5, 2024 at her Sugarhouse home where she spent the last 58 years. She grew up in the Nibley Park area with her (4) siblings – Faye, Larry, William & Mary Gayle. She and her father shared a unique bond, both being the second child, enabling her father to make her feel special.
The family was able to honor one of her last requests to spend her final days in the familiar setting of her own home surrounded with loving family. She greatly appreciated all of her visitors - family, friends, neighbors that brought her great joy and reflection.
Joyce graduated from South High School as a valedictorian in 1948. Encouraged by her parents, she proceeded to the University of Utah where she was able to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1952. She enjoyed sports both during high school and college and to the astonishment of her grandchildren found college basketball to be most rewarding. Excitedly, she entered her new career teaching 2nd grade. She thoroughly enjoyed her students, whom she discovered were eager to learn. Her future husband, Ralph became a regular after school hours to help correct papers. She was very grateful for the help and companionship. They were married in July of 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple and started their journey together moving to the Mid-west with Ralph’s career. Eventually they accepted a job assignment which paved the way for the family to return to Salt Lake in 1966.
Mom was an avid reader and a collector of profound quotations in all forms of literature. She adopted this trait from her mother who was always interested in learning. She also treasured her associations as a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Joyce and her husband, Ralph were devoted members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which was an important part of their life providing a framework for raising their eight children. Mom would later say her family was her crowning achievement. She was called to many teaching positions, but some of her most cherished church assignments were with the Relief Society sisters. She was honored to serve as both Ward and Stake Relief Society president for a time.
She was very supportive and involved with her children’s formative education in many capacities including owning and operating a nursery school for pre-elementary students, while in Wisconsin, involving her own pre-school children. She volunteered as PTA president on two different occasions while re-acquiring her teaching certificate after a 25 yr break which led to substitute teaching in the local elementary schools. She was an ardent proponent of higher education and encouraged each of her children to pursue a college degree.
Joyce is survived by her older sister Faye, younger brother William, younger sister Mary Gayle and her eight children with their (spouses) – R. Steven (Kaylynn), James (Rosalie), Mark (Patricia), Paul (Dora), John (Wendy), Thomas (RaeLynn), LuAnn (Kent) & Matthew (Mary), and at last count 43 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services for Joyce Mansell Wheeler will be held in her honor on Friday, Oct 25, 2024 at 11am in the Salt Lake Sugarhouse Ward (1950 S. 1200 E.) We would like to welcome friends and family to a viewing on Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 from 6-8pm or prior to the funeral from 10:00-10:45am in the Sugarhouse Ward.
Funeral services may also be viewed remotely with the following link.
https://zoom.us/j/93019637236?pwd=MVN4WHJQdkZqZzhVaGVkLzRXVlpTUT09
Meeting ID: 930 1963 7236
Passcode: 051971
Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 S. Highland Dr.)
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for all of Mom’s caregivers who unselfishly assisted. With special thanks to Mom & Dad’s long-time neighbors and honorary daughter, Frances Hayes, and her thoughtful husband Patrick.
