Joyce Edris Craig, 82, a lifetime resident of the Willapa Valley, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 at the Willapa Harbor Hospital in South Bend, WA.
Joyce was born on Aug. 6, 1941 at the South Bend General Hospital to Edward and Emma (Steudler) Camenzind. She graduated from Willapa Valley School in 1959. On Sept. 24, 1960 she married Richard “Dick” Allen Craig.
Joyce was a 3rd generation dairy farmer and with her husband Dick, raised their daughters on the same dairy farm in Holcomb that her parents raised her. They earned many awards including the 1969 Pacific County Dairy Family of the Year. She was very proud that the farm is now being operated by the 4th, 5th and 6th generations of the family.
She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Degree in Education in 1964. She worked for the Pacific County PUD in the Education Dept. from 1966 until 1978. She worked in the schools in the county demonstrating electrical appliances, safety and also worked on the Gold Medallion program.
She was an integral part of many young women’s special moments, by altering and constructing many wedding, bridesmaids and prom dresses. She also worked as a wedding coordinator for many weddings over the years. She never charged for any of her services, stating that “sewing is a hobby and you do not charge for a hobby”.
Joyce loved her grandchildren, and greats. She enjoyed meal prep, baking, trying new recipes, yard work and traveling. She also was a food and sewing judge at many events.
Joyce was a member of the Lewis Pacific Swiss Society, Washington State Dairy Women, Lebam Community Church, and lifetime association with 4-H. She served for over 20 years on the Pacific County Advisory Board for Harbor Home Health and as a helper with Sunday Afternoon Live. She spent countless hours volunteering and supporting the Pacific County Fair.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Richard and sister Alice Bakke.
She is survived by her sister Lois Burkhalter of Rosburg, daughters Lori (Mark) Ashley of Lebam and Lana (Terry) Smaciarz of Holcomb. As well as her grandchildren Richard Ashley, Craig Ashley, Andrea (Gus) Evers, Abby (Chris) Jansen, Alicia (Chase) McCarthy and Adam (Kaitlyn) Smaciarz and 5 great-grandchildren, and special friend John Aegerter.
Services will be held Saturday, January 13th at 11 am at the Lebam Community Church with reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Willapa Valley Alumni Scholarship, Lebam Community Church and Lewis Pacific Swiss Society.
