1934-2018
“Mrs. Eliason”
Joyce was born on February 23, 1934 as a child of Tilden Barr and Lydia Osguthorpe Stillman, entering this world with her twin sister Jeane. She was raised in East Millcreek Utah, where she and her other siblings formed an eternal bond.
She attended Granite High School where she made many lifelong friends. She enjoyed spending time on the family’s Weber ranch located in Summit County, Utah. Joyce earned her Elementary Education degree from the University of Utah. She spent many years skillfully instructing children using positive reinforcement teaching techniques. She was honored to receive the Excel Teaching Award from the Granite Education Foundation. Those who were blessed to have her as a teacher will remember her positive influence on their lives.
On June 12, 1959 she was married in the Salt Lake temple to her eternal companion, Max Dean Eliason. They created a beautiful life for themselves, their posterity, and all those around them. They shared 58 wonderful years filled with family outings, fun vacations, and together have made the world a better place. Their special love has been an example of how to treat one another.
Joyce knew how to plan a fabulous party and she helped bring her family together with kindness and love. She was a world class knitter, a creative problem-solver, and lived her motto, “When I rest I rust.” Joyce loved the Gospel and her Savior. After she retired from teaching she served as a tour guide on Temple Square. She treasured this chapter in her life.
Joyce is survived by her husband Max, their three children Mark (Laurie), Lisa (Bryan) Stephens, and Brett, 11 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and her siblings Jeane (Glen) Smith, Larry (Liane) Stillman, Shonnie (Larry) Hays, and Michele Gaetz.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit the family on Monday May 28, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and prior to the services on Tuesday May 29 from 9:30 until 10:45 at the LDS church located at 4409 S Albright Drive in Holladay, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment will be in the Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
Thanks to all of Joyce’s relatives and friends who have done so much to enrich her life. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to The Huntsman Cancer Institute. They provide wonderful services. Special thanks to Dr. Wallace Akerley and his team for the extraordinary professional care given to Joyce.
