Joyce Guyer Weekes

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November 24, 1929 — January 14, 2021

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  • Joyce Guyer Weekes
    Joyce Guyer Weekes
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Joyce E. Weekes, 91, longtime Ellensburg, WA resident, peacefully passed away at her home on January 14, 2021. Her funeral service was held January 22 at the First Lutheran Church in Ellensburg.

Joyce will be laid to rest on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. CT at the Mobridge City Cemetery in Mobridge next to her parents, Jack and Emma Guyer. The public is invited to meet at the cemetery.

Joyce was born on November 24, 1929 in Sioux City, IA to Jack and Emma (Neumiller) Guyer. She grew up in McIntosh and graduated as valedictorian of her class at McIntosh High School in 1948.

She frequently told stories of riding her horse to school during her grade school years and participating in spelling bees. She once took 4th place in a state tournament after misspelling the word “refrigerator.”

Joyce was a horse woman and helped trail 1,000 head of horses from North Dakota to Johnstown, NE and back in the 1930s and once more in 1940. She taught tap dancing and sang at many weddings and funerals in her youth. Joyce loved to travel; the sound of a train would bring back fond memories.

Joyce met Martin Gilbert Weekes at a horse sale as she was leading some young horses. Martin offered to assist her. Joyce, ever the fiercely independent woman, declined his assistance. Martin didn’t give up, however. He later asked her to attend a pie social and dance - where they won the waltz competition. Joyce and Martin courted for some time and married on June 7, 1949, in Bismarck, ND.

Joyce and Martin established a ranch along the Cannonball River in Grant County, ND. They lived there until 1976, when they moved to Ellensburg, WA, where they established a new ranch in the Parke Creek area. Joyce loved being a “ranch wife” and doing everything necessary to keep things running smoothly. She also worked at Twin City Foods for 10 years, where she made long lasting friendships. She spent many years working as a home health care professional, officially “retiring” at the age of 70.

Joyce loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren brought her exceptional joy. She was also a “second mom” to many of her children’s friends through the years. The Weekes house was always full. Her saying, “You can attract more bees with honey than vinegar,” was told to each generation. She was an excellent gardener and will be remembered for her homemade dill pickles, delicious pies and cakes with homemade icing.

Joyce was an active member of the Cowbelles in the Dakotas and continued her membership in Washington State.

Joyce is survived by her children: Jerry (Sally) Weekes of Bayard, NE, Lucinda Joyce (Randy) Olson of Bismarck, ND, Lance (Jan) Weekes of Duvall, WA, Reg (Chris) Weekes of LaCrosse, WA, Mardie Jo (Walter) Jendrycka of Ellensburg, WA, Seth Patrick (Michelle) Weekes of LaCrosse, WA, and Theodesia May (Mark) Charlton of Ellensburg, WA; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister Nancy (Donald) Miller; and her nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband Martin and her parents.

Memorial contributions in Joyce’s honor are suggested to the First Lutheran Church, 512 N. Ruby, Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon is in charge of local arrangements.