Joyce became part of the Staples family even before I was born. My mother Frances, went to work for Bert Salisbury to take care of his little baby daughter when his wife passed away unexpectedly. Joyce was only 5 or 6 months old at the time. Eventually, my grandmother, Lottie Sorenson, married Bert and they combined their two families.

Joyce was just a few years older than my brother Tony. She spent a lot of her growing up years at our home in Central. She tended both Tony and myself when we were small children.

Joyce always held a special place in my mother's heart. Mother was always so proud of Joyce and the beautiful lady she became. Mom and Dad were always excited when they knew "Jodie" and her family were coming home for a visit. Mom spent many hours baking bread, stocking the fridge with COKE and making other good things to eat. They always enjoyed Joyce and her family.

When Joyce was a little girl, she couldn't say Frances so she called Mom "Mamma Fa Fa". In later years my mom would get so tickled when people who didn't know them would comment on how much they looked liked sisters. I truly believe God meant them to be sisters.

Joyce's passing is a tremendous loss to all of her family. I think it would be hard to imagine the joyous reunion on May 5th Joyce had with all of her family that have been anxiously waiting for her to come home. I like to believe Mom, Dad and my brother Tony were among the first ones she greeted.

Dear Joyce,

We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.

We thought of you yesterday,

And days before that too.

We think of you in silence,

We often speak your name.

Now all we have is memories,

And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake,

With which we'll never part.

The Saviour has you in his keeping,

We have you in our hearts.

Love always,

Susan Outzen