Joyce Mortensen Murray

A beautiful lady with a whole lot of class and the right amount of sass, passed away March 15, 2025 into the arms of her eternal companion and dance partner, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joyce Mortensen Murray was born Sunday the 13th of December 1936. She is the daughter of Harold Alvin Mortensen and Genevieve Barlow Mortensen. She grew up in the Ogden area with her brother Dennis.

She graduated from Weber High School and went on to attend Weber State University, school of nursing. She graduated in the second class of this program with her registered nurse degree. She furthered her education at the University of Utah receiving her bachelor's degree in nursing. While attending the U she was able to make her mark in history when some of the nursing students decided to keep the rivalry with BYU alive by going down to paint the Y red. They were able to explain their story to the police. When asked what their names were, they told them Betsy Ross, Martha Washington, Amelia Earhart, etc. The police were so impressed to be in the presence of such historical women, they put their picture in the paper to let everyone at BYU share in the moment in history.

Joyce met Arlin P Murray at a dance in Ogden and he swept her off her feet. They were married in 1960. Arlin, lovingly call AP by Joyce, convinced her that Wellsville was God’s country so they built their home and started their family. They were sealed in the Logan temple on April 1, 1965.

Joyce’s career as an RN included working in hospitals, maternal child specialties and a physician's office. In 1971 her final move as a nurse came when she was given the opportunity to develop and teach the Weber State Nursing Program, that was housed at Utah State University. This turned out to be her true calling as a nurse. She taught for 25 years. She was fondly referred to as Mother Murray by the students. She always felt responsible for them as if they were her own children. She was committed to help them succeed and excel in the nursing profession and realize the true meaning of being a nurse. Part of her satisfaction of teaching came from hearing from her students about their accomplishments as nurses.

Joyce was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two of her favorite callings were leading the singing in primary and being a dance director to teach the youth how to dance for the Gold and Green Ball programs. She had a beautiful singing voice and participated in the choir.

She was a member of the national nursing society THEATA, and a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She has been an active member in her community and loved announcing the Founders Day Parade, she was usually entertaining while doing it.

Some of her favorite things in life were, making memories with family dinners, parties, and vacations, especially traveling to Hawaii. She loved dancing her way thru life with AP, driving her Lebaron convertible, and her signature drink “TAB”.

Joyce’s posterity includes her children: Annette and Brent Dickamore, Michelle and Jeff Andrews, Brad and Angie Murray, Grand children: Cassie, John, Lindsey, Dan, Justin, Chelsie, Hailey, Kyle, Abbie, Robert, Colbey, Callie, Landon, Coltin, Kara, Mckilee, Colton, Kortlan, Megan, Kylen, Destrie: 20 great grands with one on the way.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother.

Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. An informal celebration of her life will be held at the Wellsville 3rd ward church, 200 S 50 W “the old purple church” on Sunday March 23, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm, and Monday March 24, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00. Interment will be at the Wellsville City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the team at Enhabit Hospice, especially Mariah, Britnee and Lucy for their extra love and care.

In lieu of flowers, make a memory with your family, that’s what made her happy.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.