Joy Lechtenberg Gilbert 1932 ~ 2010
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Joy Lechtenberg Gilbert, passed away peacefully at home on (date) of cancer. Her name, Joy, is a reflection of a life which was an expression of love and duty for her family and God. Her legacy is centered in her posterity, which will revere her name for generations. Joy was born to Alvin and Connie Lechtenberg on April 25, 1932 at home on a farm in Central, Idaho. She was the fourth of five children. Joy graduated from Grace High School in 1950 and moved to Provo to attend Brigham Young University. In Provo she was reunited with a childhood friend, Sidney Gilbert, who became her sweetheart. They were married for time and eternity in the Logan LDS temple on March 19, 1951. After a military tour of duty during the Korean War, Joy and Sidney returned to BYU and then made their home in Orem, Utah, where they have lived for the past 53 years. Joy created a home which was a haven of peace and love, a place of cleanliness, serenity and order. She was a premier "homemaker" and her greatest services were to her husband, family and neighbors. She gave birth to her first child in 1952 and her sixth child in 1977, actively parenting children in the home for over 45 years. Joy's life was centered on her steadfast faith in God. She served in many church stake and ward positions including teacher, counselor, Relief Society and Young Women President. She was also music director in her LDS ward for many years. She shared her love and compassion as she visited sick and elderly people in her neighborhood, often taking home-baked goods for them to enjoy. She treasured her friendships developed over many years of shared experiences and service. Joy was an excellent cook and seamstress, and kept an immaculate home. She also mastered the arts of crochet, quilting and embroidery. Joy loved music, and especially enjoyed playing the organ and piano. She taught her children to appreciate good music and provided opportunities for them to play a variety of instruments. Joy graciously opened her home to friends, family, business associates, church members and visiting relatives who came to Utah Valley to attend college. Her Sunday dinners became legendary among her children, nieces, nephews, and later, her grandchildren. Joy Gilbert is survived by her beloved husband Sidney; six children: Kent (Lana) Gilbert, Renae (Andy) Allen, Janet (John) Selck, Lynn (Cindy) Gilbert, James (Shelly) Gilbert, Connie (Loren) Short; 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; sisters Shirley (Perry) Christensenand Carol (Arlin) Hadley, brother Kay (Donna) Lechtenberg. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Althea. The public viewing is scheduled on Friday, August 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Sharon 2nd Ward building, 641 S. 400 E., in Orem. A viewing will also be held on Saturday, August 28th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 at the Sharon 2nd Ward building. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com.