Joy Lin Roubinet Atwater

KAYSVILLE, UT – “You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights!  You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.” Dr. Seuss.  Six weeks after celebrating her 65th birthday, Joy Lin Roubinet Atwater passed away surrounded by her family.  She died at home on February 17, 2016 after an abbreviated battle with kidney cancer.  Joy was born in Ogden, Utah to Andre and Jo Ann Roubinet on January 3, 1951.

Joy attended Bonneville High School and later in life after raising her family she earned an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Weber State University. She was swept off her feet at an institute dance by Peter Atwater, her knight in purple converse tennis shoes.  While it may have been “love at first sight,” their future together was made certain when they learned of their mutual love for the biblical verse: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 4, 1971.  They soon thereafter moved to Kaysville and made it their home for nearly 40 years.

Joy loved children.  She was an extraordinary mother to 8 and grandmother to 22; they were the hallmark of her life. She found great joy in sharing her favorite children’s books and songs with them.  She delighted in holding babies, school shopping, helping with homework, attending sporting and dance events, wrapping Christmas presents, applying countless Band-Aids, chaperoning family vacations, and cooking (feeding, at times, what seemed to be the 5,000).

For over 30 years Joy dedicated her life to early childhood education and retired from the Davis School District – Head Start program in December 2014.  She influenced the lives of thousands of preschool children and will be remembered by many as a springboard to their academic success.  She was graced by amazing work associates and friends that shared the same enthusiasm and love of children.  She is forever grateful for their friendship.

Joy found happiness and peace in sewing, reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.  She loved holidays and every opportunity to host a family get together.  Her contagious laugh filled every room with joy and smiles.  She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served often and well in various capacities.  No one will forget “Sister Friendly” and her puppet “Thomas” and the countless sharing time activities.  Her testimony of Jesus Christ was unwavering and her love for others unconditional.

Joy is survived by her husband Peter; her children (and in-laws), Jason Atwater; Julie (Lyle) Field; Jared (Annie) Atwater; Jill (Wayne) Rose; Jeffery (Jennifer) Atwater; Justin (Anna) Atwater; Jacob (Chalee) Atwater; Janilee (Dwain) Merrill; 22 grandchildren (and one on the way!) and siblings David (Jeanette) Roubinet; Paul (Jeanne) Roubinet; Susan (Mark) Gilbert; and Ruth Ann (Sean) Hewitt.

We invite friends and family to visit between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 21st at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah.  Friends and family may also visit from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. on Monday, February 22nd at the Farmington Oakridge Stake building, 1955 South 350 East, Kaysville, Utah.  Funeral Services will be at the same building at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 22nd.  Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of those who influenced Joy’s life and to the members of the LDS Shepard Ward, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their support in her final days.