Date Posted: 2013-08-24
Maiden Name: Ingram

Joyce Louise (Ingram) Speak, 79, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 in Ogden, Utah.     

Friends are invited to join with the family at graveside services to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Family will also meet with friends on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd in Ogden.     

Joyce was born in Odessa on June 22, 1934 to Henry Dell and Mable Sear Ingram. She enjoyed a wonderful upbringing in Lexington with her two older siblings, Dwain and Frances. Her family spent hours together at the ball fields cheering on her dad, who played minor league baseball until he was 42 years old.     

Joyce graduated from Lexington High School in 1952. She was a spirited, redheaded cheerleader who was christened with the nickname "Red," which lasted throughout her entire life. Joyce loved school, learning and teaching others. This love eventually led to a bachelor of science degree in education with distinction from the University of Nebraska, where she became a true Cornhusker.     

On Sept. 1, 1954, she married Charles, her high school sweetheart. They finished college together before moving to the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, where Charles was stationed for military service. While there, son Steven was born. After release from the service, Charles gained employment at Thiokol, so the family moved to Ogden, and later North Ogden where daughter Barbara was born. The family lived in North Ogden for 37 years. Joyce moved to a new home in the southeast part of Ogden in 1999 and enjoyed 14 years of wonderful retirement with her husband.     

Joyce taught school at both Taylor and Bates Elementary School before making a decision to stay home to raise her children. She set a true example of what a good wife, mother, and friend should be. She was a devoted, gentle, and loving mother and was always a cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. She left a legacy of wonderful childhood memories for her children to treasure. She continued her nurturing role as a grandmother, always finding a way to connect and touch the lives of her grandchildren.     

Joyce was warm, kind, and had true compassion and empathy for others. She sensed when someone needed a lift in their spirit and she answered their needs with phone calls, countless cards, and sweet treats (her specialty). The unconditional love and generosity Joyce gave to those she touched in her life left footprints on their hearts that will help and guide them throughout their lives, assuring them that they are forever loved.   

Health issues plagued Joyce throughout her life, but she always found joyful things to fill her time at home. Just like her name, there was always "joy" in Joyce. She could work her way through any crossword or jigsaw puzzle and loved getting the final Jeopardy answer correct in her daily challenges with her hubby. She loved the sport of baseball her entire life and loved watching the Jazz. She dotted the walls of her home with beautiful cross-stitched works or art. She loved getting her red hair done with her good friend Judy, going to Circle at the Methodist Church, and she loved all of her special PEO ladies and friends.     

Joyce is survived by her husband of 59 years. Charles Speak; her son, Steven (Peg) Speak; daughter, Barbara (Benson) Roper; grandchildren, Jonathan Speak, Evan (Megan) Roper, Kellie and McKay Roper and one great-grandchild, Lincoln.     

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Dell and Mable Ingram; siblings, Dwain Ingram and Frances Serafin and one grandson, Matthew James Roper.     

Special thanks to Encompass Hospice for their wonderful support and care.     

Memorials are suggested to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.