Joyce Robbins

Joyce Robbins of Vernal Utah passed away on October 11, 2020 peacefully in her home with her daughters and loved ones by her side. Joyce was born on August 21, 1937 to John Wesley Robbins and Faye Preece Robbins in the home of her grandmother, Minnie Cook Preece in Vernal Utah. Joyce married Clyde John Wilkins on September 2, 1955 and they were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Tracie Lee, Trena Fae and Tonja Jean, whom Joyce lovingly called her “3 T’s”. They were later divorced. Joyce raised her family in Vernal, she later moved to Salt Lake City and recently returned home to Vernal.

The first five years of Joyce’s life her family lived in Bonanza, Utah where many wonderful memoires were made. Friendships made there have lasted a lifetime. Her parents moved back to Vernal when it was time for Joyce to start school. At ten years of age, her parents along with her uncles, the Preece brothers, purchased the Livingston Ranch in Craig Colorado. They spent the summers at the sheep camp and winters in Vernal. She enjoyed the summers at the Mother Well Ranch south of Hayden Colorado. One of the highlights of her life at 17 years old, she was crowned Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo queen with her favorite horse ‘Lady’.

Joyce and Clyde first lived in Salt Lake City where they got their educations, returning home to start their family and their businesses. Joyce opened her business of 44 years, Joyce’s House of Beauty. She started her business by converting her garage into her first salon, her first of five locations. Joyce created an atmosphere of professionalism with the many wonderful stylists she had the privilege of working with. She valued the friendships with her employees along with the people they served. The ‘beauty shop girls’ enjoyed being together, they traveled together and enjoyed after work parties. Joyce valued the lifelong friendships with those she worked with. A highlight in her career was when her daughter, Trena, became a cosmologist and they were able to work together for 22 years.

Joyce worked for Uintah County for the county commission and later as the Human Resource director. She moved to Salt Lake City and enjoyed her time there. She was blessed with the friendship of a wonderful group of ladies and together they enjoyed the opera, symphony, ballet and other social gatherings. While living in Salt Lake she worked for the 3rd District Court as a deputy court clerk for ten years, some of those years she was the assistant to a federal judge.

Above all she put her heart and soul into her family. She loved being a part of their lives and their activities. She was an excellent confidant and listened to their stories and supported them always in their successes along with their challenges. She loved each member of her family dearly. Her family is grateful for her being a strong loving matriarch.

She is survived by her three daughters, Tracie (Curt) Smuin, Trena (Ron) Baker, Tonja (Rick) Preslar. Brother John (Brenda) Robbins, sister Jolene (Robert) Jameson. Seven grandchildren, Josh (Brylee) Smuin, Garrett Smuin, Christy (Justin) Angus, Beau (Jessi) Baker, Brooke (Corbyn) Lyman, Dakota (Anna) Peay and Mckenna Peay. Three step grandchildren, Jake, Garrett, Tyrel (Viri) Preslar. She has twelve great grandchildren with another one to join her family soon. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Wes and Faye Robbins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Glines 7th Ward Chapel (1270 West 1500 South). A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday evening 6-8PM at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home and Saturday 9:45-10:45AM at the Church. Interment will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery.