Joyce Marlene Tirella passed away on the morning of July 17, 2026, after a life defined by travel and an adventurous spirit, according to obituaries from McArthur Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
Born in 1939, Tirella transitioned from a childhood on an Ohio farm to a diverse career and a life of exploration that spanned from the Pacific Northwest to the desert Southwest.
Early Life and Education
Early Life and Education
Joyce Marlene McFadden was born June 5, 1939, in Dennison, Ohio, one day before her mother's birthday. She was raised on her family's farm located near Cadiz, Ohio. As an only child, Tirella maintained close relationships with her cousins and school friends, whom she spoke of fondly.
During her high school years, Tirella was highly active in various extracurricular activities. She served as a majorette, performed in numerous high school plays, and held several leadership roles. She eventually graduated with honors from Freeport High School in Freeport, Ohio.
A Life of Adventure
A Life of Adventure
Following her graduation, Tirella moved to Orlando, Florida, where she worked in a clerical role at Lockheed Martin. During her time in Florida, she purchased a turquoise convertible with white leather seats. It was during a lunch break at a drug store diner that she met her future mother-in-law, who introduced her to Louis Tirella.
The couple married in July 1960 and embarked on a cross-country journey in an Air Stream trailer. Their travels took them from the deep South through the Midwest and up to the Pacific Northwest. A stop in Honeyville, Utah, occurred around December 1961, coinciding with the arrival of her first child.
Seeking a permanent home, the family eventually settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, purchasing a house in 1963 near the intersection of Jones Boulevard and Alta Drive. The family grew when her daughter, Lisa, was born in 1966.
Professional Career and Service
Professional Career and Service
In Las Vegas, Tirella engaged in various professional pursuits, including working as a distributor for Baum Toys and Koscot beauty products. She was also a published author of a biography and sought public service by running for a position on the school board.
In the mid-1970s, Tirella began a long career with the Clark County School District (CCSD). She held roles at a 6th grade center, Garside Junior High, and Spring Mountain Youth Camp before advancing to a managerial position in the downtown offices. She served the CCSD for nearly 30 years before retiring. Following her retirement, she held a part-time position at NU Equipment.
Travel and Later Years
Travel and Later Years
In her later years, Tirella and her husband resumed their travels, often via cruise liners. Their excursions included trips to Alaska and rail car journeys across the eastern United States. After her husband's death, Tirella continued to travel the world, often accompanied by a close friend, touring various countries to experience their history and culture.
In 2020, Tirella moved to the Pacific Northwest to live with her daughter, Lisa. However, she eventually relocated to St. George, Utah, to return to the arid heat of the desert Southwest. She resided in an apartment within a new assisted living facility, where she was noted as a favorite resident and an avid reader of diverse genres, including history, biographies, and books about cats and UFOs.
Family and Legacy
Family and Legacy
Tirella is survived by her daughters, Lisa Schmidt and Julia Frehner. Her family includes eight grandchildren: Jeremy Schmidt, Garth Frehner, Emiley Miller Carvalho, Dillon Frehner, Ashley Miller Dolan, Christopher Frehner, Heather Frehner Kirsten, and Morgan Frehner Baldwin. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, including one expected in December 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Pauline McFadden, her husband Louis Tirella, and her son-in-law Jeff Frehner.
Funeral and Memorial
Funeral and Memorial
Tirella passed away on the morning of July 17, 2026, during the opening weekend of her high school's annual reunion. According to family, she was peaceful during her final hours.
Funeral services were provided by the McArthur Funeral Home & Cremation Center in St. George, Utah.
