Joyce Crook Lawton

Joyce Crook Lawton, 76, of Heber City, Utah, passed away on July 25, 2025, at the Mission at Alpine Rehabilitation Center in Pleasant Grove.

She was born on July 23, 1949, in Heber City, Utah, to Calvin and Carma Crook. Joyce graduated from Wasatch High School in 1967. She worked at First Security Bank until she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Australia East Mission. After completing her honorable mission, she returned home and worked as a telephone operator in Salt Lake City.

She met her eternal companion, Doug Lawton, when he responded as an officer to a car accident in which she was involved. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Utah Temple on September 15, 1978. Joyce then dedicated her time to raising their four children.

Joyce loved the outdoors, a love that stemmed from her father Cal, who was a sheepherder. She spent many happy times at the sheep camp above Lake Creek. She had a strong work ethic and held numerous jobs throughout her life. Her favorites were working with flowers—first at Kings and later at Lee’s. She could usually be found outside tending to her flowers and beautifying her surroundings.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She often helped in the Relief Society with homemaking nights and teaching. Joyce was a bright spot in the world and loved her family deeply, always eager to help those around her.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Doug; her children: Tyson Lawton (Tanya), Tara Sare (David), Todd Lawton (Stefanie), and Trevor Lawton; and her 11 grandchildren. Joyce is also survived by her brother, Tom Crook (Bonnie); her sisters, Marie Watkins (Tom) and Monta Giles (Joe); and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Carma Crook, and her brother, Gary Crook.

A celebration of her life will be held at the LDS Church building located at 1205 W. 650 S., Heber City, UT 84032, on Thursday, July 31. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to assist with Joyce’s medical and funeral expenses may be sent to her son Todd’s Venmo: @Todd-Lawton-1.

Joyce will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. While her absence is deeply felt, her family is comforted by the knowledge that families are forever—and they look forward to the day they will see their beloved wife, mom, sister, and friend again.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Mission at Alpine Rehabilitation Center for their dedicated and compassionate care of Joyce in her final months.