Joyce Carol Molinek Bird

Our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend Joyce Carol Molinek Bird, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Midvale, Utah of causes incident to age on Friday, July 15, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born on June 30, 1942, to Charles Molinek and Helen Geneva Barnes in South Bend, Washington and raised in Portland, Oregon. Since the age of four she was also raised by her beloved stepfather, George Mills Hudson. Joyce was the third of four children (two older sisters and a younger half-sister).

She graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, Oregon and received her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Brigham Young University.

On August 28, 1961, she married her eternal sweetheart Richard Blood Bird in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were married for fifty-nine years at the time of his passing and had four children.

Joyce was a devout disciple of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many church callings including Ward and Stake Relief Society Presidencies, Primary Presidencies, Young Women’s President, and other callings. Her love of genealogy started when she was fifteen years old, and she spent her life researching her ancestors and doing their temple work. She served as a Family History Consultant for over 20 years with Richard and enjoyed helping others find their ancestors. She and Richard served an eighteen-month Church Education System mission to the Micronesia Guam Mission in 2000-2001.

Joyce was an extraordinary and talented homemaker. She put her family first in all things. She supported Richard in all his church callings, work responsibilities and military service. She was truly selfless. She took great joy in caring for her home and family. She sewed many costumes, dance dresses, and school clothes. She was an amazing cook, and her Christmas dinner parties are remembered by all who enjoyed them. She had many talents including ceramics and other crafts which she would often give to extended family and friends. She loved the holidays and loved to decorate her home for them which made them special for her family. Birthdays were important, including the family tradition of blacking noses.

She loved the Savior with all her heart and tried to emulate Him in all she did. She loved others and was genuinely interested and concerned for all those she met. She loved the scriptures and would read daily. The highlight of her week was going to the temple with Richard, and she continued to attend after he passed. She enjoyed doing puzzles, especially those by Charles Wysocki as well as doing Word Search puzzles. She enjoyed the Hallmark Channel, especially the Christmas movies.

Joyce is survived by her four children, Vicki, Rick, Christa, and Robert, her two older sisters Shirley McBride (Hal) and Alice “Jackie” Hilby and many nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather, and younger sister Georgia Mary Hudson.

We would like to thank family and friends for the outpouring of love and support. We sincerely thank the caregivers at Aspire Hospice, especially Ellen and Anya, for the loving and comforting care the past ten days.

Mom don’t “worry” about us. We will be ok. Give dad a hug from us. We love you!!!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the Midvale East Stake Center, 240 E. Greenwood Circle (7570 S.), Midvale. A viewing will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Stake Center and again Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, Bluffdale.

Following is the link for streaming the funeral live:
https://zoom.us/j/95718083170