Beverly Joyce Barkle McGregor

In profound sadness we announce the passing of Beverly Joyce Barkle McGregor, known as Joyce. She was born November 8, 1932 in Logan, Utah to parents Lyndon and Reta Barkle. She spent her formative years in northern Utah. As a teenager she was discovered by a professional photographer for her beauty and long lustrous hair and was frequently a model for him. After high school she attended Utah State Agricultural College (now USU), where she studied Dance, Physical Education and Elementary Education. She was elected to various student body councils and was chosen to be the Forrester’s Queen, an honor equivalent to Homecoming queen. 

 It was at USAC (USU) she met the love her life, James Donald McGregor (Don). They married in the Logan L.D.S. temple on February 20, 1953. After living in various places while Don served in the army and began his career, they settled in Logan and went about raising a family. With five young children in her care Joyce returned to USU to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. 

 During this time Joyce also taught many youngsters dance and gymnastics. Joyce secured a teaching job in Logan at Hillcrest Elementary, teaching there for 23 years. She was a favorite teacher to many and kept in touch with more than a few former students through the years. She was chosen “Teacher of the Year” for the Logan School District in 1978-79. During these years she discovered the dance form “clogging”. She and daughter Tia spent a number of years traveling and performing with clogging dance groups. In 1989 she and Don took their retirements at the same time and moved from Logan to St. George, Utah, moving into a home that son Gregg built.

 Joyce was an active member of the L.D.S. church. She was known for her charity work and compassionate service, and her beliefs shaped her life. She had many trials in her life, but her indomitable spirit and positive attitude helped her to conquer breast cancer and her faith gave her strength and comfort in enduring her many physical ailments through the years.

 Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Sherry Dawn Dompier and Marieta Petersen, and brother Randy Barkle. She is survived by her husband of nearly 72 years Don, her five children Gregg (Connie) McGregor, Dart (Wendy) McGregor, Dande McGregor, Jodi McGregor (Michael Folston) and Tia (Todd) Astle. She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren (soon 16) and one great-great granddaughter. She also leaves behind brothers Reo Barkle, Kevin Barkle and sister RuEllyn Benedict.

 The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please do an anonymous charitable act for someone in need.