Joyce Blatter

Feb. 20, 1941-March 12, 2023

Joyce Blatter, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2023, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 82. 

Joyce was born to Hank and Betty Flynn on Feb. 20, 1941, joining her older brother, Leroy. Joyce grew up in Cody, Wyoming. At the age of 17, while working in a café, she met the love of her life, Coyne Blatter, who was in town temporarily for work. After a brief whirlwind romance, they married and settled in Helena, Montana, where Coyne was working at the time. They then moved to Great Falls, Montana, where their first son Mike was born. He was followed by their second son Pat and a third son Jason who sadly died a few days after birth, but whom Joyce always carried close to her heart. A daughter Tina later joined the family.

Joyce worked in many capacities in the restaurant business over the years. She worked at Schell’s Townhouse as a waitress, the Elk’s Club, where she eventually was promoted to kitchen manager, and The Bon Marche lunch counter where she spent more than her paycheck every month because The Bon offered an impressive employee discount and Joyce loved to shop!

Joyce was the warmest, most fun-loving lady you would ever want to meet and the world’s best grandma. The memories she made with her grandchildren are simply unforgettable. She was the grandma who built forts, made sample food stands, had sleepovers and let them eat snacks in her bed, watched the same favorite movies over and over again, took them shopping and for green rivers at Snyder Drug and so much more.

Joyce never met anyone who wasn’t instantly a friend and she always made everyone feel welcome and loved. Joyce absolutely loved a good meal – especially steak and shrimp. She was an excellent cook but also enjoyed good restaurant food. 

Joyce loved beyond words and her absence will leave a huge hole in our hearts and lives. We take comfort in knowing she is at peace and home with her Heavenly Father. Joyce was a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had numerous calls in primary in the church. She so loved the kids and they were drawn to her. Joyce and Coyne were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on Aug. 15, 1986 for time and for eternity.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Coyne, of 64 years, son Mike (Bonita “Bunny”) of Great Falls, Montana,son Pat (Cathy) of Great Falls, daughter Tina of Cody, Wyoming, her grandchildren Cole, Alisse, Adam, Alex, Abby, Sean, Bryan and Zachary, numerous great-grandchildren and a brother Ernie Flynn (Brenda) of Orem, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hank and Betty, brother Leroy and son Jason.

Joyce’s funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1015 15th Avenue South in Great Falls, Montana, on Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Joyce’s online guest book.

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