Joyce Anderson

[gn_spacer size=”20″] [gn_heading style=”1″]Joyce Anderson[/gn_heading]

Joyce Anderson passed away at St. Vincent Healthcare on November 18, 2008. She was born on April 21, 1926, on a farm near Jessie, North Dakota, the 4th child of Lee and Hattie Green. Weighing only a pound and a half, Joyce defied the odds and lived another 82 years in spite of her ominous start when the country doctor signed her death certificate and told her parents to fill in the time of death when it occurred.

Her early education was in a country school near Sutton, North Dakota, and she graduated from Sutton High School in 1943. After attending Business College in Fargo, Joyce went on to work at the Farmers Union Grain Elevator in Sutton. On November 19, 1944, Joyce married the love of her life, Armand Anderson, in Mabel Lutheran Church in Sutton. They continued to live in Sutton until they moved to Chester, Montana, in the fall of 1952. From 1963 until her retirement in 1990, Joyce worked for Dr. Richard Buker at the clinic as an insurance agent. During Armand's farming years, she worked side by side with him. For about 20 years she and Armand wintered in Arizona and they moved to Billings in June of 1998.

Joyce has always been active in any church to which she belonged, and at Atonement Lutheran Church, she was deeply committed to a Bible study group, the Quilting Group, Prayer Shawl Group, and Friendship Club. Traveling with her husband, entertaining family and friends, sewing, creating beautiful afghans, watching the Red Sox, doing crossword puzzles, and playing games occupied much of her free time. Joyce played to win, but, win or lose, she always laughed and had a great time.

Joyce was a gentle soul who walked her journey of faith every day, treated everyone with kindness and respect, offered us her unconditional love, and lived her life with grace and dignity.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Winnifred Hochberger and Gladys Cooper; brother Kenneth Green; and son-in-law David Smith.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Armand; son Allen (Lynda) Anderson of Parker, AZ; daughter Lois Smith of Billings; grandsons Aden (Sherri) Anderson, Pastor Darrell (Emily) Anderson, Dakota Smith, and Colter Smith; 4 great-grandchildren: Levi, Elizabeth, Megan, and Jaime; sister Virginia (Myron) Kjelgaard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10am Saturday at Atonement Lutheran Church with interment to follow at Mountview Cemetery. The casket will be open at the church prior to services.

Memorials may be made in Joyce's name to Atonement Lutheran Church Designated Memorial Fund at 407 Wicks Lane, Billings, MT 59105 or to the charity of one's choice.

Armand & family: We were so saddened to hear of Joyce’s passing and offer our most sincere condolences. She was such a wonderful lady. I thought she was extra special because she always laughed at my lame jokes. Jim & Betty Stoner

Armand and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce. We know where she is now and one day will all have a big reunion.

We knew Joyce for many years and I worked with her at the clinic in Chester.

We will all miss Joyce.

Blessings, Judy & Greg Graff