Joyce's Obituary
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 February 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 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 was 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 August 15, 1986, for time and for eternity.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Coyne; sons, Mike (Bonita “Bunny”) of Great Falls, and Pat (Cathy) of Great Falls; daughter, Tina of Cody, Wyoming; grandchildren Cole, Alisse, Adam, Alex, Abby, Sean, Bryan, and Zachery; numerous great-grandchildren; and brother, Ernie (Brenda) Flynn 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, Great Falls) on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
