Joyce Hutchings Wilson

Joyce Hutchings Wilson, 91 years young, of Mapleton, Utah, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025.

She was born on April 5, 1934, in Payson, Utah, the oldest child of Loren Heber and Velma Stewart Hutchings. From her earliest years, Joyce carried a deep love for family, faith, and community—values that guided her throughout her life.

On September 2, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Arnold Wilson, for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple. They rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle to the wedding and on their honeymoon! Together they built a home centered on Christlike love, service, and devotion. Their marriage was a shining example of faith and commitment for over 71 years, until Arnold’s passing on October 4, 2023.

Joyce grew up in Springville, Utah and graduated from Springville High School in 1952. In her youth she was active in sports and was an accomplished softball pitcher. Newly married, she worked as switch board operator for Mountain Bell. Joyce’s proudest and most cherished role was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved nothing more than to spend time with her family. She joyfully spoiled her 10 children, their spouses, 60 grandchildren, 144 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She kept careful track of birthdays, milestones, and gatherings, always wanting to know what was happening in each of their lives. The Christmas season was her favorite time of the year. She loved to decorate and search for that most special present for each person.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joyce served faithfully throughout her life in many callings including: relief society president, primary teacher, Sunday school teacher, cub scout leader, minister, and at the Missionary Training Center with Arnold. She knew that God lives and that Jesus Christ is her Savior. This knowledge guided her throughout her life.

Joyce had a tremendous work ethic that she instilled in her children e.g., canning food, gardening, milking cows and providing all that was needed for a large family of ten children. Joyce also had a love for adventure and the outdoors. Camping, fishing, and traveling were some of her favorite pastimes, with countless treasured memories made at family camping trips over Memorial Day, 4th of July, and fall hunts. Some favorite places were Boulder Mountain, Henry’s Lake near Yellowstone, Halls Fork, and the Skyline near Fairview. In their later years, Joyce and Arnold enjoyed traveling and exploring together, and especially found joy in supporting and celebrating their family. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and would join in water fights, if not starting them.

Joyce’s life was defined by her fierce devotion to her family, her faith, and her tireless love for others. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, attentiveness, love, and unwavering support that will live on for generations.

Joyce is survived by her ten children: Dennis (Pam) Wilson; Sharon (Randy) Hansen, Diana (Brian) Eastman, Kerry (Linda) Wilson, Craig (Susan) Wilson, Christine (Eric) Weight, Kendall Wilson, Mark (Renae) Wilson, Annette (Rick) Darling, and Michael (Susan) Wilson. She is also survived by her brother Gerald (Neva) Hutchings, and preceded in death by her parents Loren and Velma Hutchings, and siblings Colleen Beardall, Bernell Hutchings, and Karen Hurst, as well as 3 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Mapleton White Church at 31 West Maple Street, Mapleton, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held on Friday just prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to friends, neighbors, Ashford assisted living, and Aspen Ridge Hospice who have shown great love and support during this time.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.