On February 8, 2011, our beautiful, beloved wife and mother, Joyce Parker MacKay, returned to her heavenly home after battling complications caused by leukemia. Joyce was born on October 24, 1932, to H. Raymond and Florence Murdock Parker. She grew up in Parker, Idaho, where she was a delight to her father, a trusted helper to her mother, and a dear friend to her siblings.

Joyce graduated from South Fremont High School in 1950. During high school she was involved in Pep Club, Girls State, and student government. She attended Ricks College where she studied Home Economics and Business. She also served as the Student Body Secretary. After college she worked for Production Credit Association. Later, she also enjoyed working at the Rexburg Livestock Auction.

While at the PCA she met the love of her life, McKenzie MacKay, and after a short courtship, they were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on February 15, 1956. Joyce lived all of her married life in Hibbard, first in the well-known rock farmhouse and finally just up the street in a new home that she loved so much. Joyce and Ken were true partners in all aspects of their life together. In addition to managing the household, Joyce was dedicated to the family farm. She was a compassionate caretaker of animals, a confident truck driver, and a meticulous bookkeeper. She was recognized as Outstanding Farm Woman of the Year by the Madison County Farm Bureau.

Ken and Joyce had five children: Cindy Caudle (Jon), Linda Maughan (Jon), Gary MacKay (LaRae), Bruce MacKay (Nancy), and Charlene Mackay. Our mother was devoted to our home and family, and she was absolutely selfless in the way she cared for us. We are eternally grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful mother. Joyce cherished her 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She loved spending time with them and hearing about their lives. She was so proud of them and their many accomplishments. Her loving presence will always be an important part of their lives.

Joyce was known for her kindness and sincere interest in the people around her. She made friends easily and valued her friendships all of her life. Joyce was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She began teaching Sunday School as a teenager and continued to serve in the Relief Society and many other callings throughout her life. Joyce had kind words for everyone she met, and she took great care in serving those around her.

Joyce always enjoyed traveling to see majestic scenery. She was particularly fond of the Teton Peaks and Yellowstone Park, and she loved a cruise to Alaska that she took with Ken.

Even though we will miss her terribly each and every day, we are grateful that her earthly pain is over and she is in the loving arms of her eternal family. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, and a sister.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at the Henry's Fork Stake Center in Hibbard, 1508 W 3000 N. The family will visit with friends at the Flamm Funeral Home, 61 N 1st E, Rexburg, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, February 14, and again from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Henry's Fork Stake Center before the funeral. Condolences may be sent to www.flammfh.com.