Joann Boyce

JoAnn Ellen Young Boyce, 70, of Lewisville, Idaho, passed away of a lingering illness Thursday, June 16, 2011, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

She was born Jan. 31, 1941, in Archer, Madison County, Idaho, to Mark Lucein Young and Ellen Marie Orr Young.

She was raised in Rigby, Idaho, and graduated from Rigby High School in 1959. She continued her education at Ricks College. On Aug. 10, 1960, she married Nathan Blake Boyce in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union, they added nine children.

JoAnn was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, including the Young Women's organization, Primary and Relief Society. JoAnn was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed making heirloom quilts, prom and wedding dresses, drawing, painting, gardening, fashion design, interior decorating and was an excellent cook, all done with perfection. Her artistic talents shined in all her creations. She loved music, played the organ and piano and shared her talents freely. Her family meant everything to her. She was a true friend, noble mother and a great strength to her family. For years she fought a valiant battle with her health, but rarely complained. She was a great example of enduring to the end. She is so loved and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her daughters, Christine (Dave) Wesemann of Farmington, Utah, JoEllen (Shawn) Kenney of Greeneville, Tenn., Angela (Kevin) Harrison of Lehi, Utah, Melanie (Ray) Ball of Ammon and Ashley (Brant) Barney of Lewisville; sons, Kurtis (Lisa) Boyce of Lewisville, Lane (Tammy) Boyce of Lewisville, Trent (Cindy) Boyce of Rigby and Bryce (April) Boyce of LaBelle; sisters, Luaina (Don) Brown of Ririe, Colleen (Rod) Elliott of Garfield, Vicki (Scott) Argyle of Layton, Utah, and Cheryl Christensen of Ammon; brothers, Mike (Charlotte) Young of Brigham City, Utah, Shayne (Marion) Young of LaBelle and Kerry (Laura) Young of Brigham City, Utah; 44 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband N. Blake Boyce; and a brother, Garen Young.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, at the Lewisville 2nd Ward LDS Chapel, with Bishop Tony Nielson officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main St. in Rigby, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will follow in Lewisville Cemetery under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Memorial contributions may be made to Zions Bank in memory of JoAnn Boyce.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks go to all who have cared for and comforted our mother. Special thanks go to Dr. Todd Williams and staff at Grand Teton Gastroenterology and Janel Campbell and associates at Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.