Luna Joy Simmons Viehweg, lovingly known as Joy, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, intellect, and quiet strength. She was born on February 18, 1929, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Robert Brown Simmons and Florence Priday Simmons.

Joy spent her early years in Pittsburgh before her family moved to Allison Park, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of three children and is preceded in death by her brother, Lee Simmons, and sister, Beverly Buss. A gifted student, Joy graduated as valedictorian of Hampton High School in 1946, forming friendships that would remain meaningful throughout her life. In later years, she was especially grateful to reconnect with many of those dear friends after moving to Utah.

She attended Brigham Young University from 1946 to 1950, where she studied elementary education and music. A talented musician, Joy played the cello in the BYU Symphony Orchestra and later performed with the Utah Valley Symphony in Provo for 25 years. She was also an accomplished pianist, and music remained a steady source of joy throughout her life. In addition to her musical talents, Joy was an accomplished artist working in watercolor and sculpture.

Joy dedicated 25 years to teaching elementary school in Utah, New Jersey, and Texas. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, and she found great joy in reconnecting with former students, even in her later years.

From 1951 to 1954, Joy lived in New York City, where she shared a 5 story brownstone apartment with 11 other Latter-day Saint young adults working and studying in the city. During this time, she served as a stake missionary. She and her friend also embarked on a remarkable three-month journey through Europe, traveling independently through six countries and crossing the ocean by liner—an adventure she cherished for the rest of her life.

In 1952, Joy met U.S. Army Lt. Ross Gordon Viehweg, at the LDS Manhattan Ward, NYC renewing an acquaintance at BYU 6 years previously. She said she turned around and saw him standing at the back of the church. Wasting no time, she made a bee-line for him and invited him to have dinner with her and her roommates that afternoon. He was stationed at West Point and would come to NYC to see her. They had many exciting adventures in the city. Dancing, plays, gathering with friends. They had a wonderful courtship there. There is a wonderful, romantic love story in here and alas we won’t have room to tell it.

Joy and Ross were married on December 28, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. They began their life together in Houston, Texas, while Ross completed his studies in architecture at Rice University. In 1958, they returned to Europe for a four-month, self-guided architectural tour—an experience rich with discovery and lasting memories.

In 1959, they settled in Provo, Utah, where Ross had an architecture practice and taught at BYU. They lived in Utah Valley for the balance of their lives. Together they raised four children: Lisa, Scott, Dane and Gina.

Joy was a devoted grandmother to thirteen wonderful grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joy had a deep love for family history and spent decades researching her ancestry, preparing names for temple work, and preserving stories for future generations. Her dedication to this work reflected her deep faith and her desire to connect past, present, and future.

Her service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a defining part of her life. She served faithfully in many callings, including Relief Society President, Young Women’s President, and teacher in Primary, Sunday School, and Relief Society. She also served a mission with Ross at the LDS Employment Center in Provo, a time they both treasured.

Joy’s life was marked by quiet compassion, enduring faith, and a love for others that was felt by all who knew her. As we say goodbye, we do so with gratitude and hope, knowing she is reunited with her beloved Ross—a joyful reunion long awaited.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Ross Viehweg. She is survived by her four children: Lisa Ann Viehweg; Scott Anthony Viehweg (Denise); Dane Robert Viehweg; and Gina Viehweg Rich (Steve).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to ReNew Hospice for their compassionate care in Joy’s final months. Special appreciation is given to Jared Moore, RN, whose kindness touched their hearts as well as all the wonderful staff at Covington Orem, all of whom provided exceptional care and comfort.

Funeral Services will be Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home of Orem, 646 East 800 North, Orem.  Family and friends may visit Thursday evening from 6-8pm at Walker Sanderson of Provo, 85 East 300 South, Provo, or Friday morning at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home of Orem from 10-10:45a.m. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem.