Joyce Elaine Stockton
Joyce Elaine Stockton, 87, died peacefully at her home with family by her side on Saturday, December 5, 2009 following a stroke one week previous.
Joyce was born on May 14, 1922 in Luverne, Minnesota, as the only child of Harvey Earl and Edith Sanford. Joyce spent her childhood in Luverne. Following graduation from high school she moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to attend business school. She worked as a bookkeeper in Sioux Falls before she and her cousin set out on an adventure to move to Billings, Montana. There Joyce continued her career in accounting.
Through a mutual friend, Joyce was introduced to David A. Stockton. They fell in love and married on May 4, 1951, enjoying 54 years of marriage until David passed away in July of 2005. During her married life, Joyce was a wonderful mother to her five children and a successful and hard-working homemaker, as well as served several years as her church secretary.
David and Joyce attended First United Methodist Church of Billings, until the establishment of Grace United Methodist Church in 1957 where they became charter members. Joyce remained committed to and involved in the church her entire lifetime. She was a member of the United Methodist Women (UMW), women's circles, a longtime choir member, and participated in a decades long Bible study, as well as serving in many other areas according to the churches needs.
In addition to her involvement in the church, Joyce enjoyed travel, whether as a child around the United States and to several World's Fairs with her parents, to frequent camping trips with her young family, to Alaskan cruises and visiting many friends and relatives around the country with her husband after his retirement. She also loved music, jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards or games, and enjoyed her collections of carousel horses, souvenir spoons, Kachina dolls, bells, and other collectibles.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband David, and is survived by her five children- Richard (Peggy) Stockton of Centennial, CO, Larry (Ardis) Stockton of Billings, MT, Nancy (Sam) Salas of Thornton, CO, Kathy (Jim) Harder of Colorado Springs, CO and Brian Stockton of Centennial, CO; as well as six grandchildren, Ariana, Crystal, Shaena, Jessica, Josiah, and Naomi; seven great-grandchildren; and two god-children, Leah and Sean Emad.
The family will be receiving guests for visitation at Michelotti-Sawyers on Monday evening, December 7, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The casket will also be open at church prior to the service. Funeral Services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Internment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
On behalf of the Dave Stout family I wanted to express our condolences at the loss of your lovely mother. The Stockton's and the Stout's were not only Mountain Bell buddies but Joyce and Charlette were closely connected thru Grace Methodist Church.
All four - the two Dave's, Charlette and now Joyce - have gone on, but the memories of your fine parents and ours will forever be treasured.
With sympathy from all the Stouts --
Merry Lee Stout Olson