Joyce L. Pratt Barton

Our greatest cheerleader and support has returned to our Heavenly Father. Joyce L. Pratt Barton was born December 13, 1934, in Preston, Idaho. She was the first to arrive of 6 children born to Arol Hadfield and Nellie Henrietta Linge Pratt and the last to leave on December 4, 2022.

Joyce’s growing up years were in Centerville, Utah. She grew up with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family was her foundation. She LOVED her family. We were told that she and her siblings never fought. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.

She also had many friends. If you went anywhere with her in Centerville, she was bound to meet someone who loved and admired her. She was proud to be a member of “the gang.” Joyce lived most of her life in the same 4 block radius surrounding the Centerville 1^st Ward.

Joyce married her backdoor neighbor, Robert B Barton, on August 26, 1954. He was killed in a tragic car accident on July 11, 1972, leaving her a young widow with 4 children to raise. And a totally dedicated mother she was. She ensured that her children did not miss out on anything.  She continued to be a stay-at-home mom until her youngest son served his mission. She then went to work as a cook for the Davis School District.

Joyce was an amazing cook. She worked magic in the kitchen. She was famous for many yummy treats. She was the compassionate service leader in her ward for many years. Many a family enjoyed her wonderful meals and kind service. Hundreds of families were given comfort as she coordinated the meals for them to enjoy as they said goodbye to their loved ones. There were many people who are saddened to no longer receive one of her fabulous pecan rolls at Christmas. The stores must have shown a loss in revenue when she didn’t buy cream and butter from them anymore.

Joyce was a great influence on the young women in the Centerville 1^st Ward. She was a great athlete and enjoyed coaching their sport teams. She supported her children and grandchildren in their events. When she could she participated in biking, running, and swimming. When her body would no longer allow her to participate, she never missed a game, meet, or match. Gram was always there to cheer them on. And speaking of cheering, the Utes and Jazz will miss her dedicated loyal spirit.

As a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she held many positions. She served in many Relief Society Presidencies and was the Relief Society President. She was the Primary president, Stake Sports director, compassionate service leader, librarian, and one of her most favorite callings was nursery leader.

Temple work was important to Joyce. She often attended the temple twice a week doing several sessions each time. She was an ordinance worker in the Bountiful Temple until her health no longer allowed it.

Joyce has been a role model and positive influence for many people. She leaves behind her four children: Michael (Lee Ann) Barton, Kathy (Kelley) Green, Deb (Dan) Spangenberg, and Rick (Kathy) Barton, 17 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her siblings, Reed, Franklin, Rey, and David Pratt and Sherry Allen. We will try to live up to the example she has given us.

A viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary in Bountiful (295 N. Main) from 6-8 p.m. on Monday December 12^th.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, December 13^th (her 88^th birthday) at 11 a.m. at the Centerville 1^st Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (160 S 300 E – Centerville) with a viewing prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be at the Centerville Cemetery following the service.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service.