Joyce Martinell Kinmont

Joyce (Martinell) Kinmont was born on November 18, 1941, to George and Evelyn Martinell in Queens, New York. A few years later, her younger brother Bob joined the family.

The Martinells eventually moved to West Covina, California, where Joyce met Dick Kinmont in high school. She was a freshman, and he was a sophomore. The two high school sweethearts married on August 25, 1961, and settled in the Chino area in California.

Early in their marriage, Joyce’s boss introduced them to two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The missionaries taught them the gospel, took away Dick’s alcohol and cigarettes, and they were baptized members of the Church in June 1965. Their first three children were born while they lived in California, first in the Chino area and later in Pleasant Hill in Northern California. Dick’s job eventually took them to Utah, where they lived for 53 years in several cities, including American Fork, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Plymouth, Honeyville, and Perry, before moving to Syracuse in 2002.

Joyce was fearless and courageous. She never shied away from standing up for what she believed in, even when it meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. In the 1970s, when Roe v. Wade was making headlines, she became a strong advocate for the unborn. She educated herself on the issue and then bravely went on television and radio to spread awareness.

She also became disillusioned with the public school system. After trying a private school and a co-op where she taught, she finally decided to homeschool her children.

Homeschooling was uncommon at the time and often misunderstood, but Joyce believed it was right for her family. That was Joyce—if she felt something was true, she was going to do it, no matter how difficult or unusual. She became a pioneer in homeschooling, not only teaching her own children but also raising awareness on a larger scale. Joyce, sometimes joined by her family, appeared on radio and television programs—including the Donahue show—to promote homeschooling and help others understand its value. In addition, she championed many causes, writing books, essays, and newsletters to help others live better lives.

Joyce was also passionate about health and nutrition. She believed in the importance of eating well and caring for the body as a gift from God. Over the years, she wrote books and gave lectures on the subject, encouraging others to make healthier choices and sharing practical ways to improve their well-being.

In her later years, Joyce dedicated herself to tutoring and advocating for children and families within the DCFS system.

Joyce was a warrior for truth, a disciple of Christ, and a fighter in every sense of the word. Yes, she was opinionated and headstrong—but those very traits allowed her to leave a lasting impact. More than anything, her family and children were her greatest priority and joy.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Dick Kinmont; her children, Andrea (Garth) Wilson, Ritchie (Laura) Kinmont, Rob (Maria) Kinmont, Tina (JaceSon) Barrus, Kari (Kevin) McEvoy, Millie (Trent) Handley, Becky (Devin) Parry, and Krystal (Brandon) Allen; and her brother, Bob Martinell. She also leaves behind 38 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Hooper LDS Church, 4675 West 5500 South. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.