** Click on the words Zoom Link in the obituary below to view the service**
Lola Joyce Whiting Packard, our precious wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother left this earthly existence on January 2, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born November 17, 1942, in Gallup, New Mexico, to Jay and Aleen Whiting. At an early age her family moved to Northern Arizona where she grew up in a loving, faith-filled home. After high school Joyce attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1963, with a degree in Home Economics Education. She lived in Scottsdale for several years and eventually moved to Mesa in 1976, where she lived with her husband and three children.
Joyce was a consummate homemaker. Her passion for cooking, sewing and serving others was the hallmark of her life. Over the years she created hundreds of quilts and taught piano lessons to many students. Scores of people have been fed at her table and we’ll never forget her home-cooked meals and fresh baked “Granny” buns. Her door was truly always open, just like her generous heart. Joyce deeply loved her family heritage and was committed to continuing family traditions, especially the tradition of family reunions held at the Whiting Homestead. Her greatest joy in life, however, was that of being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She was true disciple of Christ whose life reflected Him and what He taught. Joyce was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and raised her children by precept and example throughout her life. Never one to seek the spotlight, Joyce selflessly served and sacrificed wherever she was needed and went out of her way to make sure everyone around her felt loved and included. She will be dearly missed.
Joyce’s positive outlook, beautiful smile and great faith carried her through her battle with cancer these past two years. Her example of strength and courage was inspiring. We love you, Granny, and we will miss you until we are united again.
Joyce’s legacy will continue through her husband, Dan Packard, children Jayme (Clyde) Bawden, Jeff (Megan) Robinson, Greg (Rebecca) Robinson, eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Glenna Tingey, Myrna Borden, Deb Lewis, Terry Schnepf, Trey Whiting, Jason Whiting and stepmother Fern Whiting. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Aleen Whiting and baby sister Andrea.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 15th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. All are welcome.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral services will be limited to family and will be held Saturday, January 16th at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 North Westwood Street, Mesa, Arizona. All are invited to view the funeral services virtually which will be streamed live at the following
The family requests those who attend the funeral to socially distance and wear a mask. To show your love for our Granny, please feel free to wear a splash of red in honor of her love of all things RED.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Hospice of the Valley for their love and care of our beautiful Joyce.
To Dan, Jayme, Jeff, Greg and Family, we are deeply sorry for your loss of my wonderful friend Joyce. We all lost a Beautiful and Loving Lady, who fought hard to stay. Joyce was a Dear Friend to me for so many years, she was the most loving and unassuming friend I have ever had. Joyce was so accomplished, she raised three beautiful children to successful and accomplished adult. Sending with them along the way her example of kindness and love. When I visited with her a few days before she left us, I still saw love in her eyes and a smile on her face as a pictures was taken of us together, which I will cherish forever. I know in my heart and soul, Joyce is with our Lord and Savior. You will always have a loving Angel surrounding and guiding you. May Perpetual Light Shine Upon her forever and ever. Rest easy my Dear Loving Friend…. Love you, Colleen and Ron
Joyce was such a good friend. We were visiting teaching companions and cooked together. We skied at Sunrise staying in our cabin in Pinetop. She appliqués the names on all my grandchildren’s Christmas stockings. I love her and look forward to reuniting with her soon.
I first knew Joyce when I was a young boy and she was my sister-in-law. From the start I loved her good nature, sunny outlook and concern for others. Regrettably, over the years we had less contact, but she always wanted to know about me, my life and family. My nieces and nephews and the rest of Joyce’s family were surely blessed to have her loving presence in their lives.
My heart aches for the loss of such a great lady and cousin. I know heaven joys at this new angel!
I love her so much! Julie
When I think of my Aunt Joyce I have two main memories that pop into my mind. Early on in life Aunt Joyce attempted to teach me how to play the piano. I was awful! I always wanted to play the piano, but I didnt want to start at the basics. I wanted to be a pro out of the gate. This of coarse didnt work for me and I ended up not continuing with the piano. But I remember Aunt Joyce eating popcorn and nodding off while I struggled with my lesson. After my lesson, she would send my back into Jeff’s or Greg’s room to listen to a tape and follow along in a work book. I never did this either. I’d turn in the tape and stare at a multi colored chevy square body picture on the wall that one of the boys owned.
The other memory is getting embroidered green towels at my wedding. 14 yrs later we still use them. There a little tattered, but there loved!
I love my Aunt Joyce! Shes a great lady, and has all the awesome kids, grand kids to prove it. Love you
I just found out about Joyce’s passing. I loved reading the obituary, and learning more of the “post-Flagstaff Joyce.” The Jay Whiting family that I was blessed to know in Flagstaff was one filled with goodness, kindness, love for everyone, friendship, and love! I have appreciated so much Joyce and her sisters supporting us Palmers as my Mom and Dad passed away. Their goodness and kindness has only grown through the years!! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you! (I’m not sure we will be able to attend the services, but will definitely watch them on Zoom.) Sure love you all!!
Joyce wasn’t perfect but she was a saint. Funny, fun, loving, kind, and spiritual, she will be missed by so many. May the family members be supported by our Savior and by your memories of great times you had with her.
We will miss our beautiful friend and neighbor. Joyce was so talented with cooking, sewing, teaching piano lessons & leading with a beautiful spirit. I’ll miss her beautiful face and smile and seeing her play the organ. Our love and sympathy to all the family.
Joyce and the Whiting family were dear friends of the Palmer family in our growing up years in Flagstaff. Joyce was like a big sister to me. We were particularly close to Joyce and Scott when attending ASU where Scott and I played a lot of basketball together and we felt of Joyce’s sweet spirit and commitment to the Lord in caring for their little family. Joyce’s smile provided light to all around her – we will all miss her, but know she is in the care of a loving Father in Heaven.
Our hearts go out to all! Joyce, along with Dan, have created joy that is felt by hundreds through their tireless efforts at the beloved Whiting Homestead. Our family is eternally grateful! Joyce set an amazing example of hard work, yet she always had time to visit with a smile. Joyce has left a legacy that will be felt for generations to come. How blessed we are to know families are forever!
Joyce seem to be the first person you saw at the homestead and was so kind and fun. Away from the homestead she was even more fun and giving. We stayed at her home several times and she always had welcoming arms. Joyce will be greatly missed. An Angel