Joyce Elaine Whipple went home to her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2024 at the age of 96. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Born January 3rd, 1928, to Edward and Christine Hanson in New Rockford, North Dakota the first of three children.

Joyce lived a full and happy life from beginning to end and touched many lives along the way. She had a life long love of music. She was talented at playing the French horn, but told her band teacher she, by far, preferred singing. And that she did! She placed second at a state singing competition. Her classmates believed she deserved first!

She sang throughout her adult life. Many times she was called to sing at weddings and funerals. She also enjoyed writing poetry in high school.

After she graduated from Carrington High School, in North Dakota, Joyce married the love of her life Leo Whipple, on her birthday, January 3rd, 1948. They later moved to Washington where they raised their four children.

She enjoyed cooking, canning, cleaning, baking and taking care of their children. Once her children were school age, Joyce went to work in the Motor Vehicle Department for the state. She was a friend to her co-workers and would win them over if they tended to be “grumpy.”

She retired after 18 years, at which time Leo also retired. They spent countless hours singing together, while she played keyboard and he played guitar. Joyce loved the Lord and was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Elma. She had a love for each family member that made them feel special when visiting her.

Joyce enjoyed watching countless sporting events and activities of her grandchildren. She truly loved each neighbor that was blessed to be called her neighbor. She especially loved her Viking West neighbors. Her smile was unforgettable at parties where she provided baked goods for neighbors to enjoy and anyone else who might happen to stop by. Nothing made her more happy than to have get togethers with family. She was the “party girl.”

Joyce is survived by her children, Gale Whipple, Myrna (Bob) Bellamy and Jane (Aaron) Rhodes. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Shirley Ingram, brother Lyle Hanson, husband Leo, to whom she was married 63 years; son Darrell, daughter-in-law Char and granddaughter Shawn. She dearly loved her 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 1st, 2024 at the Elma Christian Missionary Alliance Church. The song has ended but the melody lingers on …