Joyce Gunnell Powers Ensign, 90, passed away on March 26th, 2020 in Providence, Utah. Joyce was born in Logan, Utah on August 3rd, 1929 to Joshua Brown Gunnell and Hazel Heninger Gunnell, the 4th of 8 children. She attended Utah State University, active in many areas, and chosen as the Pi Kappa Alpha dream-girl as a senior.
She married Bud Powers on June 20th, 1952 and they made their home in Brigham City to raise their family. They moved to Loveland, CO in 1976, returning to SLC in 1979. Bud passed away in 1999.
Joyce married Bruce Ensign on September 15, 2006 in the Logan Temple. They enjoyed 14 wonderful years together in Logan, the town where they both grew up.
She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its principles formed her life’s foundation. Her greatest joys were in the devotion to her family. Her children and grandchildren have countless memories of her loving support and top-notch waffles with strawberry jam!
Surviving Joyce are her dear husband Bruce, and three children (and spouse): Kelly (Sandy) Powers - SLC, David (Kris) Powers - South Weber, and Darin (Susie) Powers - Denver. Also, siblings Gordon (Candace) Gunnell, Gaye (Kay) Freeman, and Dawn Perkins. Joyce has 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Due to pandemic, no public funeral held.
Family
- Survived By
- Bruce Ensign, Husband
- Kelly Powers, Son
- Sandy Powers, Daughter-in-Law
- David Powers, Son
- Kris Powers, Daughter-in-Law
- Darin Powers, Son
- Susie Powers, Daughter-in-Law
- Gordon Gunnell, Brother
- Gaye Freeman, Sister
- Dawn Perkins, Sister
- Preceded in Death By
- Morris "Bud" Powers, Husband
- Maxine Wallace, Sister
- Reed Gunnell, Brother
- Beryl Cornum, Sister
- Burke Gunnell, Brother
Life Story Info
Post Date
Personal Info
Born
Died
Age
Raised
- Logan, Utah, United States
Lived
- Cottonwood Heights, Utah, United States
- Loveland, Colorado, United States
- Brigham City, Utah, United States
Religion and Beliefs
Occupation
Worked For
- Deseret Book
- Intermountain Indian School
Education
-
Bachelor'sUtah State University
William Eugene Rainey
I was blessed to be Joyce's daughter in law and I'm so thankful to have been able to have her in my life since I was 13 years old! She was a wonderful lady who was always kind, loving and happy. She was a great example of what a faithful woman looks like in every way. She was my second mother and a dear friend and I will miss her. Loved her dearly.
Joyce was such a kind and friendly and lovely person. Lots of great memories with Joyce and family in Colorado. May peace be with her family. Miss you all!
I loved to be with Joyce who was always so good, loving, and positive!! She always lit up the room with her happy spirit! She is friendly and loved to converse with all. I bet she is anxiously and energetically reunited with family and friends who went before her!! I’ll miss her until we meet again!!
Joyce was a sweet neighbor and friend. I loved her beautiful smile and felt of her deep faith in the Lord. How comforting to know she is with Him now. May you, as her family that who knew and loved her best, feel peace and that quiet assurance that she is well and very close by you.
To any who knew my mom, you know how terrific she was. I see her excitedly reminiscing with her parents, siblings, and all her loved ones who have passed on before. That mental picture eases the hurt, and makes me happy for her, in spite of how much I’ll miss her. Mortality is wonderful, but being able to move onto the next step in the plan, having lived a righteous life – that is the real prize! Mom, you truly qualified - I love you.
Joyce will be missed by all! She always had a smile and a positive outlook on life! We appreciate her example and her testimony of our Savior! She loved the church hymns and enjoyed "Master the Tempest is Raging" in particular. Her gifts and talents will be a great asset in her new spirit world assignments!
Greg and Julie Andrew
Joyce was such a welcoming and kind woman. She always had a smile for us and asked about our children by name. She will be missed.
We love you, dear Joyce! Always enjoyed visiting with you! Will always remember the irises you shared with me and the deep love I felt you had for your family and the gospel. So loved your history of you and Bro Ensign! Thank you for your sharing so much with us all! Roger and Leslie
God Speed to a wonderful lady. We loved having you in our lives, and will dearly miss your happy smile and kind ways!