Joy Jorgensen Pitcher

Our loving mother, Esther Joy Jorgensen Pitcher, passed away November 3, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family. She was welcomed home by her parents, Hans Wilford and Esther Elease Barrett Jorgensen; her husband, Lewis Dennis Pitcher; her sister, Betty Christiansen; and son, Kenneth Pitcher.
She was born July 2, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was five when her father passed away and the family moved to Logan where she attended school. Joy, her older sister, Betty Christiansen deceased, and her younger sister, Velate Callicott surviving, were raised by their single mom. They found strength and comfort in taking care of each other. She married Lewis Dennis Pitcher on February 26, 1945. They were the center of each other's lives for 67 years. They had six children, Janice Anderson Ned, Kenneth Pitcher deceased Pat, Dale Leatham Noreen, Mary Rogers, Terry Pitcher Janet, and John Pitcher Treena. Joy had 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Joy's husband, Dennis, worked at the Erickson Fish & Mink Farm in Smithfield. Later they moved to Perry, Utah and worked for Doc Huchel, who helped them realize their dream of one day owning their own mink farm by selling them their original breeding stock. Joy was very organized and combined the family efforts to achieve success. Joy and Dennis loved working the mink farm side by side for nearly 50 years. They not only taught their children great work ethics, responsibility, honesty, grandchildren Heath Day picnics, and sharing a Coke with friends. She enjoyed sewing, tatting, baking, making fudge, and reading. In 2002 she won the sweepstakes at the County and State Fair for a 28-inch tatted doily that was displayed in the Logan Temple for many years.
Through Joy's service to her church and community, serving in the Primary Presidency, as Relief Society President, and other ward callings, she made life-long friends. These precious friendships with Ann, Donna Lou, and Marilyn lasted for over 50 years.
Joy will be remembered as a woman of strength and courage with love and devotion to her family. She was a great example to each of them in meeting life's challenges without complaint. Her kindness and service to others will be a lasting legacy. She was truly given the perfect name 'Joy' because she was a joy to all those she touched.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 8th at 12 noon at the Smithfield 2nd Ward Chapel 6521 N 2400 W Amalga with a viewing prior to services from 10:30-11:30. A viewing will be held on Friday, Nov. 7 from 6-8 pm at Nelson Funeral Home 85 South Main Smithfield. Interment will be held at the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.nelsonfuenralhome.com