Joy Robinson Proctor

If heaven has horses, beautiful gardens, quilting circles, and BYU football, then Joy Robinson Proctor is settling right in!

On November 4, 2026, at the age of 90, Joy passed away peacefully at home, trading her earthly adventures for a heavenly reunion with her sweetheart, Ray, and the many loved ones who had gone before her. While those left behind will miss her beautiful smile, sharp wit, and loving heart, we can only imagine the joyful homecoming taking place on the other side.

Joy made her grand entrance into the world on July 5, 1936, in American Fork, Utah, born to Earl Conrad Robinson and Ellen Jane Mann. She grew up alongside her siblings, Earlene (Glen Lee) Crawford, Carrie (James) Reynolds, and Roy Dean Mann (Judy) Robinson.

On July 17, 1953, Joy married her high school sweetheart, Robert Ray Proctor. What started as young love turned into more than six decades of marriage, adventures, and building a family that would eventually grow large enough to fill a small town! They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, beginning an eternal love story that remained at the center of Joy's life.

And what a family they built! Joy was the proud mother of six children: LaRae Thorpe, EllaVee (Craig) Yuzon, Robert Earl (Madonna) Proctor, Edward Ray (Christine) Proctor, Joe D (LeAnn) Proctor, and Jason Robinson (Courtney) Proctor. Her legacy continued to grow with 26 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and twelve great-great-grandchildren. Five generations of love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos—just the way a big family should be!

Joy wore many hats throughout her 90 years, and she wore them all with pride. She was a lunch lady for the Alpine School District, where she helped feed generations of hungry kids. She also worked at Storey Pharmacy and Ballard Medical. Her love of animals eventually led her to Timpanogos Animal Hospital, where she could combine her caring nature with her soft spot for four-legged friends.

But Joy wasn't all work and no play. She had the heart of a cowgirl and a love for life's simple pleasures. Whether she was riding her beloved horses, lighting or Bliss, watching a good old-fashioned Western, enjoying a rodeo, Sitting back and taking in a parade or tending to her garden, Joy was happiest doing the things she loved. She was also a talented quilter, stitching together beautiful creations that her family will treasure for generations. Every quilt was more than fabric and thread—it was a little piece of Joy's love, patience, and creativity.

And then there was BYU football! Joy was a Cougar fan through and through, and heaven help anyone who tried to convince her otherwise! She could heckle and banter with rival University of Utah fans with the best of them, always armed with a clever comeback and a mischievous smile. Her quick wit and playful sense of humor made her a worthy opponent in any friendly rivalry. We wouldn't be surprised if she's already recruiting angels to cheer for the Cougars and giving any Ute fans up there a little good-natured grief. Go Cougars!

Joy's faith was an important part of who she was. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she believed in serving others and sharing her talents. For more than 25 years, she served as choir director at the Utah Developmental Center, bringing music and happiness to those around her. She was also a proud member of the Bridalettes, an organization that brought her friendship and wonderful memories. But of all the things Joy accomplished, her greatest masterpiece wasn't a quilt, a garden, or a perfectly directed choir. It was her family.

Joy had a gift for making people feel special. Her compassionate heart made others feel welcome, and her willingness to listen made her someone people could always turn to. She knew when to offer a kind word, when to lend a helping hand, and when a little humor was exactly what was needed. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever cherish the love she gave so freely.

Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray; her son, Joe D. Proctor; her grandchildren, Savannah and Stacey Jensen; her parents; and her siblings. We find comfort in imagining the hugs, laughter, and happy tears of their long-awaited reunion.

So, the next time you hear a BYU fight song, see a horse running through a pasture, wrap yourself in a handmade quilt, or sit down to watch an old Western, take a moment to think of Joy. Because a life like hers doesn't really end. It lives on in every story told, every memory shared, and every generation of the family she loved so much, and Bliss has already saddled up.

The family would like to thank the primary care IM Provider, and specialists for their patience and loving care they gave Joy.

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Joy's wonderful life at funeral services held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Pleasant Grove West Stake Center, located at 56 South 1300 West (Proctor Lane), Pleasant Grove, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.