Joyce Lambert Larsen

Joyce Lambert Larsen, 75, passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. Finally free from her ongoing health struggles, she was welcomed home by her parents and her husband of 53 years.

Joyce was born in Salt Lake City, UT, on September 25, 1951. "Christmas three months early," she liked to say. She attended high school at Skyline High, and then went on to get her degree in cosmetology. After meeting on a blind date, Joyce married Ray Larsen for time and all eternity on August 12, 1970. They built their forever home together in Sandy, UT, where they raised seven children who were their absolute pride and joy.

To say that Joyce loved to love and serve others is an understatement. She had a literal open-door policy that welcomed anyone and everyone into her kitchen. She loved whipping up giant batches of her famous chocolate chip cookies, toffee, and potato salad while a steady stream of kids and friends came and went. Even kids that weren't hers called her "Mom" because they were welcomed so warmly into her home and family. She had such a unique way of making others feel seen and heard and would spend hours getting to know those around her, always without judgment.

Joyce loved to laugh and refused to take life too seriously. She was always known as "the fun one" because of her slightly mischievous nature. Things like "age" and "safety concerns" were merely suggestions. The girls in Young Women's loved having her as a leader, and Girls Camp was always better when she was there. She enjoyed quilting, musicals, spending time serving in the temple, and learning about family history.

Joyce was no stranger to struggle. Despite some serious medical issues, including a near-death experience, she was a fighter. Life wasn't always easy, but she never stopped trying to overcome her challenges and become a better version of herself. Even when she struggled, she was determined to keep moving forward.

As their kids got older, the family grew. Joycie was promoted to mother-in-law and eventually to Grandma, which was something she absolutely lived for. Each year, a new group of grandkids would walk to her house after school, where she made sure that snacks were abundant and the grass around the trampoline was always perfect. At her house, "Grandma didn't have to say no." She was blessed with 26 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She cherished each and every one of them and loved being a part of their worlds. Whether they were spread across the globe serving missions, excelling in music or sports, attending college, or starting families of their own, she always spoke of them with pride.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Q. Cannon and Bertha Lambert; brothers Ray and Carl Lambert; grandson Caden Butler; and husband Raymond Larsen. She is survived by her children, Linda McKnight (Daren), Leslie Butler (David), Sally Williams (Connon), Andrew Larsen (Katie), Kristy Fisher (Dan), Chad Larsen, and Melissa Wells (John); 25 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and four siblings.

A viewing will be held at the Ridgecrest Ward Chapel (1478 East 8600 South, Sandy, UT 84093) on Wednesday,  Nov. 18 evening from 6-8 pm. A viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 10-11:30 am at the same location followed by a funeral service at 12 noon. Interment will follow at Elysian Gardens Cemetery.