Lola Joyce Packard

** Click on the words Zoom Link in the obituary below to view the service**

Lola Joyce Whiting Packard, our precious wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother left this earthly existence on January 2, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born November 17, 1942, in Gallup, New Mexico, to Jay and Aleen Whiting. At an early age her family moved to Northern Arizona where she grew up in a loving, faith-filled home. After high school Joyce attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1963, with a degree in Home Economics Education. She lived in Scottsdale for several years and eventually moved to Mesa in 1976, where she lived with her husband and three children.

Joyce was a consummate homemaker. Her passion for cooking, sewing and serving others was the hallmark of her life. Over the years she created hundreds of quilts and taught piano lessons to many students. Scores of people have been fed at her table and we’ll never forget her home-cooked meals and fresh baked “Granny” buns. Her door was truly always open, just like her generous heart. Joyce deeply loved her family heritage and was committed to continuing family traditions, especially the tradition of family reunions held at the Whiting Homestead. Her greatest joy in life, however, was that of being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She was true disciple of Christ whose life reflected Him and what He taught. Joyce was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and raised her children by precept and example throughout her life. Never one to seek the spotlight, Joyce selflessly served and sacrificed wherever she was needed and went out of her way to make sure everyone around her felt loved and included. She will be dearly missed.

Joyce’s positive outlook, beautiful smile and great faith carried her through her battle with cancer these past two years. Her example of strength and courage was inspiring. We love you, Granny, and we will miss you until we are united again.

Joyce’s legacy will continue through her husband, Dan Packard, children Jayme (Clyde) Bawden, Jeff (Megan) Robinson, Greg (Rebecca) Robinson, eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Glenna Tingey, Myrna Borden, Deb Lewis, Terry Schnepf, Trey Whiting, Jason Whiting and stepmother Fern Whiting. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Aleen Whiting and baby sister Andrea.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 15th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. All are welcome.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral services will be limited to family and will be held Saturday, January 16th at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 848 North Westwood Street, Mesa, Arizona. All are invited to view the funeral services virtually which will be streamed live at the following

ZOOM LINK

The family requests those who attend the funeral to socially distance and wear a mask. To show your love for our Granny, please feel free to wear a splash of red in honor of her love of all things RED.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Hospice of the Valley for their love and care of our beautiful Joyce.