Joyce Madsen Cox

It is with tender hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce M. Cox—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who departed from this earthly life on July 1, 2026. She lived a life illuminated by faith and defined by devotion.

Joyce’s story began in Manti, Utah, on October 13, 1940, as the youngest of nine children born to Leslie and Reba Madsen. After graduating from Manti High School in 1958, she continued her education at Darrell's Beauty College in Salt Lake City. She spent a year working in the city, before returning to Manti to open Joyce’s Beauty Salon, creating a place of laughter, connection, and confidence. Joyce possessed an eloquent grace that made every person in her chair feel beautiful inside and out. Over the years, she donated her time and artistry doing make-up and hair for the historic Mormon Miracle Pageant.

On September 1, 1962, Joyce married her elementary school sweetheart, Douglas Grant Cox, in the Manti Temple. Their love was a beautiful story of shared devotion, spanning over six decades. Together, they raised seven children and proudly claim Steve Conner as their own. Joyce was a guiding light to her posterity. Their family was built on the principles of hard work, service, and faith.

Joyce moved through the world with an elegant energy. Her hands were always creating beauty; she was an exceptionally gifted seamstress who fashioned fabric into art, and a masterful baker whose treats were an extension of her affection. Her kindness was never passive.

She served her community dynamically on the Sanpete Valley Hospital Board. For years, she was a legendary chauffeur, driving carloads of local youth to countless sporting events—always their biggest and brightest cheerleader.

Her unwavering devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ was the heartbeat of her life. Joyce led with compassion in all her callings, including as a Ward and Stake Relief Society President. She and Douglas carried their light to Texas, serving a full-time mission in San Antonio. They both cherished their years serving together in the Manti Temple. Perhaps her greatest acts of service were found in the quiet, daily moments ministering to those around her.

Joyce is now joyfully reunited with her eternal sweetheart, Douglas, who preceded her in death on December 8, 2023. She is also welcomed home by her parents; six brothers, her sister, and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Cox. She is survived by her brother Morgan Carl Madsen.

A legacy as rich and vivid as the life she lived is carried on by her eight children: Steve Conner of Kennewick, WA; Leslie Torgerson of Richfield, UT; Cynthia (Mark) Olson, Gary (Tricia) Cox, Annette (Ralph) Squire, Suzann (Brent) Rasmussen, Michael (Brittanie) Cox, all of Manti, UT; and Alan (Jennie) Cox of Wittmann, AZ. Her legacy also lives on through her 36 grandchildren and her 33 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Joyce Cox will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Manti 8th Ward Chapel, 295 South Main. Viewings will be held at the church on Friday, July 10, from 6-7 p.m. and prior to services on Saturday, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery. Online guestbook at live streaming of the services available at www.maglebymortuary.com under Joyce’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.