Joyce Rae (Joy, Vlasak) Kinshella, 79

Our most cherished soul and beloved Mom and Grammie, Joyce Rae (Joy, Vlasak) Kinshella “left us to be with the angels” on Aug. 10, 2016, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, after a short stay due to complications of past cancer treatments.

Joyce was born Sept. 6, 1936, in Kalispell to Ernest “Ernie” and Ida (Becker) Kinshella. She was the fourth of four daughters. She went to various grade schools in the valley and Flathead High. She lived most of her life in Kalispell. The family briefly lived in California and Eugene, Oregon. For the most, this was always home.

She lived an adventurous life. Her father came from a large family; they were some of the first loggers in the valley. Lots of time and many summers were spent in the various logging camps. Many stories were told. Two she talked a lot about: As a very small child the range bull (who was mean) that hung around camp got her cornered in the outhouse for hours, until her father got back to camp. Then, as a young woman she helped her aunt cook in camp for a large logging crew. She spent hours baking pies for the next day. That night a black bear got in the cook house and made a horrible mess. She was most upset by the fact that he sat in all of them instead of eating them. So to this day if a pie doesn’t turn out, we say, “Yup, not even fit for a bear.”

Joyce touched everyone’s lives in the most sincere and beautiful way. She never let a moment go “unsassed,” or a person unloved. She was a woman of great strength, and if you knew her, you know she didn’t leave without a fight. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Joycie during her 79 years, among them: anything can be built from clothes pins and Popsicle sticks, Velveeta cheese and shoe boxes were great drawer organizers, and NEVER break the rules. She was a leading example of motherhood. Her years were spent teaching her daughters and granddaughter to be strong, loving women and her grandson how to treat a lady. Joycie leaves her family comforted knowing she will be the finest guardian angel to the great-grandbaby she was not able to meet.

Joyce loved to dance, was a busy knitter, and spent countless hours crocheting doilies. She was quick to make anyone a pair of slippers. Her incredible embroidery work was always a welcome gift, making sure all of her family and close friends each had a set of beautiful dishtowels to cherish. Recently, Joycie discovered adult coloring books, which was reminiscent of the many, many hours she spent coloring with her grandchildren when they were young. Joyce had a green thumb that would make everyone jealous. She enjoyed canning fresh fruits and pickles, was an amazing baker, and had a sweet tooth she never attempted to deny. Joyce was an excellent markswoman, and loved to fish, hunt and camp.

Joyce had a great gratitude for hummingbirds, which symbolize the enjoyment of life and lightness of being. Her favorite knickknacks and decorations are those with “God’s Tiny Miracle.” Hummingbirds are said to express love more fully which describes Joycie better than anyone ever could.

In 1954 she married Robert “Bob” Joy in Kalispell. From that union they had two daughters.

In 2007 Joyce met the very best friend in her whole life, Bob Bradford. They went everywhere and did everything together; she even started riding “Harley’s.” She had her own set of leathers and wore them proudly; she called herself a “biker babe.” She treasured her time dancing and putting together expert puzzles with her best friend, Bob. She was still talking about the grand trip to Florida with Bob to see his daughter.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Ida; two sisters, JoAnn Hall and Arlene Knutson; and two nieces.

She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Stevens (husband Bob) and Sherene Joy; grandson, Brandon Dewey (wife Tasha); granddaughter, Ashley Dewey; great-grandbaby due in January; sister, Norma (husband John) McGregor; many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; also her bestest friend Bob Bradford, his children Mitch, Jimmie, Tammie, and Debbie.

The angel’s welcomed a lovely being, and for that her family’s hearts are full. The family asks that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, friend, or walk through the flowers for a moment, an hour, or a day. Time waits for no one. We want to use Mom and Bob’s goodbye saying ... “Love Ya, See Ya.” Rest sweetly, Joycie.