Joyce Abel Christensen "An Angel Among Us" Joyce Abel Christensen died peacefully at her home in Alpine on September 11, 2006 at the age of 83. Joyce was born on August 11, 1923 in American Fork, Utah to George Edward Abel, Jr. and Moneta Almo Jolley Abel. She was one of five children born in their American Fork home. Joyce graduated from American Fork High School in 1941 and went on to attend LDS Business College where she refined her secretarial skills that would serve her so well later in life. As World War II escalated, Joyce was hired at the Camp Williams Army Base as a typist and property clerk. She later went on to work at Geneva Steel during the building of the new plant. Soon after, an opening for a secretary came up at the Alpine School District office. It would be here that Joyce would spend the next 36 years of her life in devoted service to the District administrators. It was also during her early years at the District office that she went on a blind date with the man that she would fall in love with and eventually marry. Clifford Christensen had just returned from serving nearly four years in the Navy during the war, and after a short courtship, he asked Joyce to marry him. They were married on January 20, 1947 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Joyce and Cliff started a family soon after and would eventually bring four children into the world. Dale, who preceded his mother in death, Jana, Scott and Alan (Deb). Joyce cherished her children and worked hard her entire life to see that all of their needs were met. Her family always came first regardless of her personal sacrifices. Joyce and Cliff moved to their Alpine home in 1960, and it was here at the base of the beautiful mountains that she would spend the rest of her life. She was at peace here, both in life and in death. Joyce was a beautiful woman. Her physical beauty was obvious, but it was her inner beauty that radiated so brilliantly her entire life. She was happiest when she was in the service of others. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She taught in the Primary and Young Women's programs for many years. So many lives were touched by Joyce's generosity. Joyce was preceded in death by two of her sisters, Eddus and Ann, three half-brothers and a half-sister. She is survived by her sister Jewel and brother Kent. Joyce was grandmother to eight wonderful grandchildren who loved her dearly. She is also survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, Clifford. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 15, 2006, at 11 a.m. in the Alpine West Stake Center, 370 W Canyon Crest Rd, Alpine (across from Timberline Jr. High). Friends may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E. 100 N., American Fork, as well as Friday morning at the church, one hour prior to services. Interment will take place at the American Fork Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to andersonmortuary.com.