Joyce Emily Crabtree Messer, a beloved mother, passed away peacefully in Cedar City, Utah, home on May 30, 2024. She was born on January 19, 1938, in Boise, ID, the first child of John Edward Crabtree and Florence Ellen Mortensen. Joyce had five sisters and one brother, and she cherished her family deeply. In her early years, her family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah.
When Joyce was in the fifth grade, her family moved to Cedar City, UT, where she spent the rest of her life. As a child, she was a tomboy with a talent for both academics and sports. Even as a youth, she kept herself busy doing yard work, mowing lawns, and picking raspberries during the summer.
Joyce met and dated Richard Hamilton Messer for two years while attending Cedar High School. On the same day as her graduation in 1956, Richard surprised her by proposing. They were married on June 29, 1956, in the St. George Temple, beginning a lifelong partnership. Richard built a beautiful home for Joyce, where they raised their seven children.
In her early years, Joyce worked at Safeway as a cashier and meat wrapper. However, upon starting a family, she dedicated herself to raising her children and became a homemaker. Later, in 1992, Joyce became a real estate agent, but her most fulfilling job was working as a groundskeeper at Southern Utah University (SUU). Her talent for gardening and her green thumb allowed her to create stunning flower beds on campus, which were admired by all. Even after retiring from SUU, Joyce continued to beautify her community by planting flowers at local parks.
Despite having a busy household with seven children, Joyce always found time for community service. She served as the chairman for various PTA roles, organized school assemblies, and was actively involved in local parades and events, often building floats with her husband. Joyce received numerous accolades and awards for her community service, including the Women in Business Award, the Governors Silver Bowl Award, and the Rotary Club/ Paul Harris Fellows Award.
Joyce’s dedication to the scouting program was truly remarkable. She volunteered her time for over 57 years, supporting and guiding young men on their path to becoming Eagle Scouts. Joyce also played various roles within the scouting program, including Recognition Chairwoman for the Cedar Breaks District, where she helped many individuals receive their Silver Beaver Awards. Her dedication earned her several scouting awards, and she was recognized as an Influential Woman in Scouting.
Joyce was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She and Richard served on multiple church missions and held various callings. Joyce particularly loved serving as the Cedar Stake Dance Director and devoted many hours to preparing dancers for performances at the Dixie Sun Bowl in St. George. She also spent time as an ordinance worker in the St. George and Cedar City Temples, ensuring that temple work was completed for her family.
Joyce is survived by six of her seven children: Scott Messer (Marcie), Michelle Taylor (Chuck), Lori Medley (Mark), Steven Messer (Roberta), Jeff Messer (Michael), and Brett Messer (Hillary). She leaves behind 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Messer, and her son, Mark Messer, as well as her parents, sister, and brother.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at the LDS Rock Church (75 E. Center Street, Cedar City, UT). Viewings will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 9:00 – 10:30 am at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W., Cedar City, UT). Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. For a Livestream and Online Condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.
Joyce’s legacy is one of love, service, and commitment. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she served so faithfully throughout her life.