Grandma Joyce

Those of you who have followed the blog over the past few years are familiar with Yuri's grandma Joyce (Rory and Massie's great-grandma).  I am sorry to report that shortly before Christmas cancer took this very special woman from us.  Her passing has left a large void in our lives but we are thankful for the memories and the many pictures of our kids with their beloved great-grandma.

On December 11, 2011, Joyce Delores Anderson passed from this life after a 2 ½ year battle with liver cancer while resting peacefully at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Our beloved Joyce was born in Sacramento, California on November 16, 1931 to Charles (Chuck) Ruffner Garvey and Delores (Nonie) Pendleton. She spent the days of her youth on the beaches of Santa Cruz, California and was a vibrant and beautiful California girl through and through.

In 1948, Joyce's adventurous father moved her and her siblings to Fairbanks where he had secured employment in a restaurant and bar business. Her first job in Fairbanks was as a sales clerk for J.Vic Brown Jewelers on 2^nd Avenue.  Soon after her spring arrival, Joyce met the Anderson brothers, T. Garth Anderson and her future husband and partner in life, W. H. “Bud” Anderson. The Anderson brothers owned the first Harley dealership in Fairbanks and their active lifestyles quickly drew Joyce’s attention.

Joyce loved target shooting. One day, Garth borrowed Bud’s new 1950 Studebaker and he and Joyce drove to the hills. After a number of rounds of target practice, Joyce absentmindedly laid the .22 rifle on the front seat. The gun accidentally went off, narrowly missing Garth, and blew a hole in Bud’s new car. They quickly headed back to town to find Bud so Joyce could apologize to him. Apparently, Bud got over it. They married in Santa Cruz on November 11, 1950.

In those early Fairbanks years, Joyce worked alongside her mother-in-law, Annette H. Anderson, caring for a crew of hungry miners at the Miller House in the Circle Mining District.

There was nothing Joyce enjoyed more than caring for and playing with children. Whether it was the children in her family, friends or strangers' families, Joyce always made each child feel special with a big smile, a huge hug, and a kiss that made everything better. She was their biggest fan and attended every event. She always had a closet full of toys and games and her kitchen was always well-supplied with food and snacks. Her employment with the Fairbanks School District as an Administrative Secretary  in the 1970's and early 80's was a perfect fit.

Joyce lived a full, active life. Her fun spirit was contagious. She enjoyed many sports and the companionship of good friends. She was fiercely yet graciously competitive. Besides golf, bowling, curling, tennis, gardening and cards, Joyce loved trap shooting and was a proud member of the NRA.

Most of all, Joyce loved the game of golf. Those who knew her agree that nobody had a prettier swing. Joyce made many lifelong friends playing the sport, both in Alaska and Arizona.

Joyce always put others before herself. She was a terrific gift and card giver, often without a reason. She was gentle, kind and understanding, but never hesitated to be blatantly honest. Joyce will be missed by countless family and friends; her kindness along with her pure, unrelenting passion for life have made us all better people.