9 Jan 1928 – 24 Oct 2018
Wife of Leavitt Thomas Thatcher for 72 years
Joyce Hunsaker Thatcher, 90, passed away on Wednesday Oct 24, 2018 peacefully at home. She was born on January 9, 1928 in Mesa Az to Clyde and Hazel Hunsaker. She was one of 9 children.
Joyce was raised in Pine Az but graduated from Chandler High where she met the love of her life, Leavitt Thomas Thatcher. They had 8 children, and lost two at birth.
She went back to college at ASU and graduated with a teaching degree. She taught 14 years for the Sacaton School District and loved every minute of it.
She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she raised her family and served in various callings. She loved The Lord Jesus Christ and was Christ like in all her actions and serving. There could not have been a sweeter gentler woman than Joyce, who loved her family and would do anything for her husband, children and grandchildren.
In her later years she spent time cleaning, washing and doing the hair to refurbish dolls to give to needy children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 6 siblings, 3 daughters, Judith Gail, Lynn Maria, and Janis Ruth Thatcher, a granddaughter BreAnne Ferrin, Daughter-in-law Beverly Thatcher and son-in-law Melvin Hakala .
Joyce is survived by her husband of 72 years, Leavitt Thomas Thatcher, Edith (Leonard) Lamb, Clyda (Michael) Morris, Dennis (Debbie) Thatcher, Jerold Thatcher, Karen(Mark) Ferrin, 21 grandchildren 48 great children, and 1 great great granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held for Joyce on Monday October 29, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints building at 1100 N. Cooper Road Gilbert Az, at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing before the service from 9:00-9:45.
Interment will be in the City of Mesa cemetery.
City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona, Plot Block 660, Lot 3, Grave 7
