Joyce Hicks Power

Here is my mother-in-law's obituary.  It has been fun sharing stories and discovering new things about her life together.  I hope you enjoy it.

Joyce Hicks Power, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2010 after a brave battle with cancer. The world has lost a rare treasure but heaven has gained one. Joyce was born October 29, 1920 in Provo, Utah to Heber and Florence Hicks. She moved to Arizona when she was nine years old to serve a mission with her family on the Papago Salt River Indian Reservation. They served there for 14 years. Joyce attended Phoenix Union High School and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State Teacher's College. She later received her Master's Degree in Music from ASU. She began her teaching career at age 19 at Alma School and retired 46 years later from Queen Creek Elementary. She married Kent Jackson Power on April 14, 1949 and together they had four children. Joyce was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and spent 70 years in the Primary organization bringing joy to children through music. She was legally blind for the past 25 years but continued to live alone, care for herself, play the piano, crochet beautiful blankets for new babies and cherished friends, and faithfully played the organ at the Arizona Temple for 15 years. She was an example of service, optimism, perseverance, and loved being a friend and grandmother to many people. Joyce is preceded in passing by her eternal love, Kent J. Power, a son, Wayne Kent Power, her brother Ridge Hicks, and her parents. Joyce is survived by her sister, Rueda Millett, her children, James Power (Jill), Barbara Power, and Patrick Power (Diane). Her children, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren will all miss her optimism, love, and music. We wish to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who so lovingly cared for her during the last days of her life. A viewing will be held at Bueler Mortuary (14 West Hulet Drive in Chandler) on Wednesday, February 10,2010 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Power Ranch First Ward Building (4170 S. Ranch House Parkway) at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.

Weekend in the Woods

We had a chance as a Relief Society to go up to Camp Wilderness and spend the night together. We played games, ate, sang, and just had a chance to hang out together. Kate and I sang a mean "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and I got to play "Apples to Apples" until the wee hours of the morning.

The next day we shared breakfast, had a special speaker, did some fun crafts. had an outside cooking contest, and finished with a yummy lunch. I am already looking forward to next year!

The Fortieth Annual Foothill High School Shakespeare Festival

The fortieth annual Shakespeare Festival came and went the weekend of October 23rd and 24th. As always, it was lots of work. I think I was sewing costumes until just a few days before the festival began. Pat chose to do a scene from "A Winter's Tale". Here is his description of his scene:

"King Leontes is responsible for the banishment of his infant daughter, the death of his son and wife, and has offended nearly everyone in his kingdom, including the gods. his best friend, and his most loyal of all servants: Paulina. Yet today, a generation later, all has been forgiven almost as his daughter, Perdita, has miraculously survived and married the son of his old friend. Leontes wishes his daughter to see the sequestered statue of her deceased mother, Queen Hermione. The only trouble is, it stands in the chapel-garden of Paulina, who still intimidates the King. Will the skeptical King Polexines and his son Florizel's negativity prevent a miracle this day? Instead of random music ordered by the scene to be played, we have chosen the Fifth Sonnet to be the lyrics of The Winter's Tale musical interlude."

So, yes, Pat wrote the music for the scene. Luckily, I found some software that we could use to transcribe the music from a midi file. Mr. Maine, the choral teacher at FHS, then wrote the parts for the choir and taught them the song. They performed in as part of the ensemble. Foothill High School took second place in the Ensemble and second place in the Sweepstakes. Logan also performed the role of Launce from "Two Gentlemen of Verona"as a monologue and the role of The Dauphin in "Henry VI". Here he is on Halloween in the jacket I made for his performance as Camillo in the Ensemble.

Most of the judges showed up, everybody seemed to have a good time, and the rounds seemed to run pretty well on Saturday. Thanks to everybody who pitched in! You rock!!!

Our family is growing!

Big news in the Power House - Adam and Krista have announced that they are expecting! They are very excited and are looking to this new addition to their little family in May. Krista is struggling with some morning sickness, but is tough. Adam is anxious to find out if it's going to be a boy or girl. We will keep you updated!!

Adam and Krista came down for a visit this past weekend. Since they celebrate their birthdays literally one day after another (September 18th and 19th) they spent Krista's birthday at Disneyland. Here are a couple of pictures.

We also got to enjoy playing "Rockband:The Beatles" together. Adam was a game tester for the Wii version up in the bay area, so he showed us his skills. It was fun to play together and we all cheered when we finally saw his name on the credits!

I finally give in...

So here it is, my first blog entry, and I'm not sure exactly what to say. I guess I start with a basic introduction: we are a family of five (including a married son and daughter-in-law who live in the Bay Area) who are trying to find ways of both staying connected with extended family and friends, and a way to document our lives. Pat is a drama teacher who loves Shakespeare, football, and sci fi. Diane is an accountant for a local developer, pianist, and amateur cook. Adam has a degree in Game Development, speaks fluent French, and is married to the lovely Krista. Krista joined our family last November, speaks fluent Spanish, can wire up anything, and tries to keep Adam in line. Logan is a senior at Foothill High School, runs, swims, and reads. As you can see, we are a busy family who loves each other and tries to be of service.