LINDA JOYCE (JOEY) SHUMWAY

JULY 23, 2026

In the early morning hours of July 23, 2026, our beloved sister, Linda Joyce “Joey” Shumway, passed away. Our hearts are heavy yet filled with gratitude for her and the love she brought into our lives and the lives of so many others. She had the great gift of warmth and a genuine interest in others and always had time to listen and share her gift.

She was born June 9,1945, in Chico, California to Richard Phil and Nelda Moon Shumway. After a time in California, her parents were drawn to the beautiful orchards, fertile farmland, and majestic Mt. Timpanogos which called to her father’s country soul. They settled happily in the Orem/Provo area where she grew up. As the oldest, she became big sister to 1 sister and 4 brothers: Hallie Crockett of Blackfoot, Idaho; Richard Jennings (Carolyn) who preceded her in death; Scott Kay (Anne) of Pleasant Grove, Matthew Phil (Becky) of Pleasant Grove: James Grant, (Jill) of Orem, Utah.

Her childhood was all a child could need or want. A large 70 year old house, beautifully surrounded by giant lilac bushes, towering Catalpa trees, cherry, apricot, and apple orchards and a variety of dogs, cows, and pigs provided a wonderful foundation for hard work and imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for beauty that became the hallmark of her life. From an early age she loved music and even took piano lessons while attending BYU. She promoted and encouraged other’s talents. No one had a better cheerleader than Joey.

After high school graduation she attended Brigham Young University, earning her B.S. degree and began her life-long career of teaching third grade in Alpine School District. This indeed, was a match made in Heaven.. Her lessons were thoughtful, meaningful, and innovative. She loved using Shakespeare to teach skills in writing and thinking. Survival skills were taught, then practiced in the mountains. She was always looking for better and more effective ways and methods to teach. She furthered her education and received her master’s degree in ESL and taught music in the school for 2 years. After retiring from the classroom, she worked for 10 years for BYU as a District Liaison for Wasatch School District.  For 45 years she taught with skill, imagination, and most of all, great love. It has been said that a master can tell you what he expects of you, but a teacher awakens your own expectations. Miss Shumway was a true teacher, opening young minds and awaking their desire to be better, to think deeper, and to do greater things. Though she had no children of her own, she became a mother to literally thousands whose lives have been made better because of Miss Shumway.

She loved teaching but being Aunt Joey surpassed all joys. Squeals of delight greeted her as the children vied for her attention. With spontaneity, her large purse would appear and tubes of bright red lipstick would appear and be heavily applied to her lips. The children would be offered coins in return for getting one of Aunt Joey’s “Lipstick Kisses.” They loved that! No birthday or event was forgotten, no problem unnoticed and helped. There was certainty in her love, which continues today.

Of all her loves, the love of the Savior was her sure rock and greatest love. Her love of studying the gospel began as a youth and continued until the day of her passing. She gave many years of temple service, working one day a week in the temple, and then attending a session each day. In 2013, she served in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission for 18 months and was loved for doing much good. She was a faithful ministering sister, relief society teacher, and a member of her stake primary presidency. The Savior was always her comfort in discouraging and challenging situations throughout her life. In her last days, she knew with assurance His hand was the one guiding and sustaining her through the horrific days of Parkinson’s nightmares and waning strength. Her beautiful light has been hidden from our sight but a brighter day has dawned for her in the arms of the Savior. Our daily walk with her has ended but our love and admiration will endure as we strive to honor and emulate her goodness.

Funeral Services will be Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:00 a.m. in the Pleasant View 7th LDS Ward, 2445 Timpview Drive, Provo. Family and friends may visit Thursday evening at the church from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. or Friday moring at the church from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery.

A webcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com