Joyce Zufelt

Joyce Payzant Dixon Zufelt, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, wife and friend passed away peacefully at the break of dawn, Wednesday February 5, 2020 following her 90th birthday. She was born February 1, 1930 in Provo, Utah to Reuben Ells and Desta Shepherd Payzant. Joyce spent her early childhood in Provo until the family later moved to Salt Lake City where she graduated from South High School in 1948. She married David A. Dixon on January 15, 1949. She later married James T. Zufelt on February 14, 1970. “Jim” passed away in 2009. She lived the remainder of her eleven years independently, sharp of mind and actively engaged in her community spanning Salt Lake and Utah counties respectively.
In her early life, Joyce completed certification from The Comptometer School of Salt Lake City by age 18 and worked various accounting positons with JCPenney Western Accounting, Winder Dairy, Prudential Federal Savings & Loan and Regence Blue Shield until her retirement. She recalled warm memories of employment in downtown Salt Lake City and the Utah State Capitol. She actively campaigned for John F. Kennedy, fondly remembering her cherished experience of meeting, conversing with him on two occasions recounting his genuine, personable and charismatic character. Her personality was a perfect fit for volunteer work with Welcome Wagon. She spent several years mentoring young girls by teaching them sewing skills through the 4-H Club. She was a proud, long time member and devoted volunteer of Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Additionally, she selflessly and tirelessly gave through her dedicated involvement with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Over the course of her lifetime she delighted in gardening, enjoyed hiking, camping, golf, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. She was an avid reader, studied handwriting analysis, wrote poetry and achieved marked success as a public speaker with Toastmasters. She dearly loved time spent in the company of her brothers, sisters and lifelong friends enjoying funny stories and long held punchlines to ridiculously funny and, ironically, long forgotten jokes.
She enjoyed traveling to Spain, Hungary, England, Ireland, France and Italy the latter being her favorite. She fulfilled lifelong dreams by taking a memorable Alaskan Cruise, visiting Navajo country in Southern Utah, touring the United States Capitol and exploring New York City, where she enjoyed crossing the Brooklyn Bridge as well as dancing on stage with The Rockettes! Joyce absolutely LOVED dancing. She remained exuberant and active throughout the breadth of her 90 youthful years.
She was a devoted and supportive mother to five children who dearly love her. Being a grandmother brought her an abundance of joy through time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Relationships were first and foremost in her life. With devoted grace, she bore the profound loss of an infant son, cherished daughter-in-law, beloved granddaughter and husband who adored her. Her love was selfless and unconditional. Numerous close friends enriched her life. Neighbors of forty five years whom she shared a unique and special bond with are endeared family friends and continue to be appreciated. Joyce radiated a positive attitude netting her friends of all ages and walks of life. She was a pleasure to be around and defied the number in her years, freely shared her wit and wisdom. She captured the hearts of her Cardiology health care provider Kraig Packer NP, the staff at Aspen Ridge Rehabilitation Center, Revere Health and her treatment team at Utah Valley Hospital.
Most recently, she reflected on her happiness and expressed she’s enjoyed a full, good life. She loved early mornings sitting in quiet reflection paging through poetry with the companionship of her sweet cat Bennie. She enjoyed passing time on her back porch watching children play at Sage Creek Elementary School, gazing at Camel Back Mountain and pondering the wonders of bird migration, autumn leaves transforming and the ever constant presence of the moon in all its glorious phases.
She will be dearly missed. Her light continues to shine through the many lives she’s touched. Joyce conveyed to her daughter just a few days ago, her favorite quote from Mitch Albom, “All endings are also beginnings.”
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 11 a.m., viewing at 10 a.m. at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights, UT. Friends may call Wednesday, February 12, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.
Service Information
Viewing February 12, 2020 at 6:00-8:00 PM
3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights





Viewing February 13, 2020 at 10:00-10:45 AM
3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights





Funeral Service
February 13, 2020 at 11:00 AM
3115 E 7800 S, Cottonwood Heights