Joyce Lutes

Ivins UT - Joyce Rae Tribett Lutes, 82, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at her home. Her passing was peaceful and she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Joyce was born August 10,1935 in a small town in West Virginia; not the western part of Virginia, but the state of West Virginia, which became a separate state in 1863. Joyce was always quick to remind people she was a West Virginian, not a Virginian.

After graduating 3rd in her class, she began seriously dating her future husband - Jim Lutes. She knew the guy since first grade and figured he needed some serious guidance. Jim finished one year of college and couldn’t go on without Joyce’s encouragement. They were married on August 14,1954 and went back to Marshall University. Jim worked in a local steel mill and Joyce became a cashier at the college. With lots of help from Joyce, Jim graduated in 1957 and they went to California to look for employment. From California, the Lutes family saw a lot of country as Jim’s job had them moving every two/three years. Those moves were to Boone, North Carolina; Newbury Park, California; Burlington, Iowa; Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Along the way, Joyce raised three children: Derrik (Juliana), Gretta (Danny), and Jason. She also raised one grandchild: Rachel (Russell). Jason was lost in a terrible tragic accident at the age of 23. Joyce’s strong faith in the church doctrine helped her move on in life. While in Salt lake, Joyce found time to get an Associates Degree in Accounting and work on a CPA title. She started a flower business and eventually owned two stores. It was a real pleasure to meet one of her old customers here in St. George. They all remember the great service and quality at Lutes’ Flowers. Some of her achievements as a florist was to supply flowers for a grand opening at Larry H. Miller car dealer and to also provide special table decorations for International Secretary meeting at the Salt Palace.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers James, Richard, Gary and sister Delores. Joyce will be deeply missed by her husband of 64 years, James Lutes; Grandchildren: Kelsie (Casey), Cody, Cory, Kerrie, Jessica (Sean) and Rachel; Great Grandchildren: Ellie, RJ, and Maddox. She cherished her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and regretted not being able to attend during her long illness.

Arrangements are entrusted to McMillan Mortuary. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28th, 2018 at 11:00am with visitation from 9:30 am - 10:45 am at the Ivins 4th Ward LDS Chapel, 260 E. 1060 S., Ivins, Utah. Interment will be held at Davis Memorial Gardens - 6200 south Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada.