Joy Christensen

Beverly Joy Christensen, a lifelong resident of Magna, Utah, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026. She was born on January 31, 1932, to Ellis Laverne and Ella Batt Burrell. Joy was the fourth of five children.

On February 8, 1950, Joy married the love of her life, Jesse Lee Christensen, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they built a beautiful life spanning nearly 64 years of marriage, until Jesse’s passing in 2013. Their life together included raising eight children:

Diane (Jack) Sellers, Susan (Bill) Burch, Judy (Wade) Coon, Bryan Christensen, Brett Christensen, Sharon (Larry) Jackson, David (Heidi) Christensen, Jessica Christensen.

This was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in this role. Her legacy lives on through her children, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Joy had a passion for handiwork, including quilting, crocheting, and embroidery. Her talent was frequently recognized at the state and county fairs, where she was awarded numerous blue ribbons and Best of Show honors. She became proficient at making porcelain dolls, which involved pouring molds, firing them in her own kiln, painting them, and sewing custom outfits for each doll.

She loved going for drives, whether it was an adventure with friends, running an errand, chasing a deal, or searching for the end of a rainbow with her husband.

She took great pride in her home, spending countless hours planting flowers and maintaining a beautiful yard.

Joy was known for her wonderful sense of humor and cherished friendships. She loved gatherings, laughter, and bringing people together. She especially enjoyed telling funny stories, even at her own expense.

A woman of unwavering faith, Joy was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She dedicated her life to service, notably serving seven times as a counselor in the Relief Society and as a counselor in the Primary. Her commitment to the gospel and love of Jesus Christ were the guiding light of her life.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and her brother-in-law, Roy Christensen, and sister-in-law, MaryAnn Burrell.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Lee Christensen; daughter, Susan Burch; sons, Bryan Christensen and Brett Christensen; sons-in-law, Jack Sellers, Bill Burch, and Larry Jackson; her parents, Ellis and Ella Burrell; siblings, Orson Burrell, Mae Collings, Leone Dangerfield, and Keith Burrell; and many extended family members whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Juan Ibarra and the entire staff at Beehive Homes. Their exceptional love and care for our mother over the last nine months brought great comfort to her and her loved ones. Thank you also to Hospice4Utah, and special thanks to Gary Norman, a truly devoted friend who helped with various tasks and checked on her daily.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, from 6-8:00 pm, located at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W Magna Main Street, Magna, UT 84044

Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 27th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3450 S. 6400 W., West Valley, UT 84128, at 11:30 am with a viewing before the service from 10:00-11:15 am

Here are the Zoom streaming details.

Hunter 14th Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 

Topic: March 27, 11:30 AM 

Time: Mar 27, 2026 11:15 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94609828122?pwd=KC7Kc4BdTFWMLjubzKmTf0FInfsVca.1

Meeting ID: 946 0982 8122 Passcode: 561369