After 88 laps around the sun, at the intersection of Covid19 and Alzheimer’s, Joyce D. Almy left this life for the next on Monday, July 13, 2020.
She was born in Dupree, South Dakota to William Jacob and Elizabeth Jenny (Jeffries) Ochsner. She attended school in Dupree and was active with music and drama in high school. Upon graduation in 1950, she attended a summer of college and immediately began teaching at a one-room school near Eagle Butte, SD. As her father dropped her off at her new job, she said she cried, “How will I teach the little ones to read?” –but she did!
The following school year, she taught at Albion, Montana. Shortly after her arrival to the neighborhood, she collared some locals including a young cowboy from the Bud and Maxine Enerson (Jim Oliver) ranch to perform in a school play. He was smitten and by that Thanksgiving in 1951, they became Mr. and Mrs. William Ellery Almy Jr. They continued to live in the Albion area on the Davenport place and her many roles soon included being a mother when William E. Almy III was born in 1952, Curtis Thayer Almy in 1954, and Dawn Darlene Almy in 1957. Elizabeth Ann was born in 1963 after the family moved to Ismay, purchased the Hamilton brothers’ ranch, and began operating it as Keystone Ranches, Inc.
Each Sunday morning was spent in church and even when cow-calf pairs needed to be trailed at 5 AM, Joyce would go out about 3 hours later to the fresh pasture and children would dismount their horses to ride in a warm pickup truck, headed to church. “The children will not miss Sunday school and church!” Joyce would say. More than just taking them to Sunday school and church regularly, she, The Mother, taught her offspring about our Heavenly Father and reminded them almost daily that faith requires constant attention and effort. She loved to teach the Word to anyone and was a gifted instructor. Her faith never faltered and she sang hymns with her children until she passed.
Music was an essential part of Joyce. She started piano at a young age and played tuba in high school. She played piano and organ for church and directed church choirs. On summer days music would float from the grand piano out the window to the Quonset and Bill nicknamed her “Joyous Joyce”. Music was woven into the fabric of the family to become an integral part of the heritage.
If there was ever a situation where an actress was needed, Joyce was there! Her quick wit coupled with humor was infectious when she was given an audience; do you recall Clarabella Nussbaum’s weekly Baker Livestock market report? Perhaps the livestock prices weren’t great, but she somehow found a way to make folks chuckle and tune in to listen.
Joyce loved a good party. Tupperware party, Rubbermaid party, Tiara party, and even a jewelry party. She earned a nice supplemental income as well as national recognition for her “party plan “ sales. At the urging of Bill, she passed the state insurance exam and sold life and health insurance for Bankers Life and Casualty.
Later in life she enjoyed flower gardening and weeding…and weeding…and weeding. No matter where or when, she saw ‘em and if there was time, the weeds got yanked. Her children’s lives were “gardens” to be tended, even into adulthood if she saw “weeds” in their lives, she had a comment or two! She had an eye for the end result, the harvest of the fruit of the garden. This explains why she chose to teach in every congregation in which she found herself. It also explains her sincere interest in everyone everywhere, even during her last year spent at a memory care facility.
During the mid 60’s she wrote “Ranch Life” each week for the Miles City Star. It was another talent that perhaps we took for granted until our frail attempt to scribe this obituary to retell her life’s highlights.
Remaining to continue their earthly journeys are her husband of 68 years, William E Almy Jr., her children/spouses/families: son William E. III (Barb) Almy, grandchildren William E. Almy IV, Gwen (Fr Aaron) Warwick and Emmelia, Adrian, Dominic, Simone, Susie (Gabriel) Henandrez, Lydia, Lucia, William John, Deborah Almy; son Curtis (Patsy) Almy, Toby-Jeanne Almy; daughter Dawn (Lary) Lamoreux, Rachel and Jimmy Minor, Cale Lamoreux, Christin and Andrew Sullivan, Emry, Landon; and daughter Libby Almy, grandchildren Chantelle (Kyle) Mostad, Leah and Lucas, Kt (Eric) Foster, Kiana (Jeffery) Johnson, Devon Solberg. Joyce is also survived by her sister Alice (Jerry) Swanson, and niece Shawna.
The end of each of our lives is nearer today than it was yesterday. May we all who knew and loved Joyce check over the gardens of our own lives to see if they could stand some water, fertilizer, or weeding.
Due to heightened Covid19 safety concerns, a private family burial service will be held at Custer County Cemetery. We are forever grateful for the loving care afforded Joyce at Canyon Creek Memory Care. We pray for the strength of the staff as they continue to love and care for others during these unprecedented times.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Sherry Oster says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Joyce’s family! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Alvin & Sharon Wenz says
To the Almy’s: extending our deepest sympathy in the passing of Joyce. In most recent years whenever we were in Miles City there were many a time we would happen to be at the same restaurant . Always a joy to visit & amazed that she knew (esp. Alvin) without question. Thoughts, prayers & hugs being sent your way–with Love.
Jane Viall says
You are all in my heart and my prayers. I don’t have to tell any of you she is in the best place EVER!! She is just too far from all of you . . . for now.
Dale Barta says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Almy family.
James Liles says
We loved having Bill and Joyce as next-door neighbors on Balsam Drive and enjoyed visiting with them on birthdays, anniversaries and evenings on the porch, overlooking the park. Our blessings and sympathy to the family.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Nicalaine Brown says
Our sincere sympathy to all of Joyce’s family.
John and Nikki Brown
Doug Benge says
Bill, Curt, and all family:
Very sorry to learn of Joyce’s passing. Even though I had greater contact with the two of you, she was a breath of fresh air whenever she did come in. Seemed to see humor in just about everything. I very much cherish our long time association. Great clients and great friends. Best wishes to all.
Randi and Doug Wenz says
To Bill and families, The world has lost a wonderful woman! She was so fun to work for at the sales barn, always smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Randi and Doug
Randy and Amanda Tunby says
To the Almy family, may your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Luther and Marlene Waterland says
Curt and family I always enjoy ed visiting with Bill and Joyce about the early days around Ekalaka and other stuff.Very sorry
Tony and Therese Lamb and family says
Bill, Curt and family,
Dear Bill, Curt and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a gracious lady. It was always a treat to visit Joyce and Bill and listen to their stories about living in Townsend and Ismay. Joyce always did a fantastic job on her talks and presentations in the “Post Toasties” Toastmasters group at Fort Harrison. She will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Almy family. May God bless you!
Tony, Therese, John, Daniel and Minnie Lamb
Denise Harvey says
What a precious lady!! She was so beautiful inside and outside!!
Her legacy will live on through her family!
Jerry and Bev Collins says
Dear Bill and families
We are so sorry for your loss in the passing of a very sweet lady and know that she will be missed by so many, and that her personality was certainly unique. She was quite the lady and was glad to have had the chance to know her and the fun times we had. She was a faithful servant to her church and church families, and knowing Joyce in the way we have since we have served this church for 6 years that she did speak her mind and now probably telling God what to do. She was loved and will miss her and her laugh and wit. Bill just know that we care about you and know that you had a wonderful life together, and may you be at peace knowing that Joyce is at peace. Peace I give to you and peace I leave with you. Love and heart felt sympathies
Bev and Jerry Collins
Jenny Hickox says
Sending our prayers out to Bill Almy and his family. Love to all of you. May you each feel the presence of God more so now than ever as you need his comfort during this time. Love, Jenny Hickox “South Carolina” & family ❤
Pam Rogge says
My prayers and condolences to the Almy family at this time and in the days to come.
Bill & Cindia Ellis says
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Bill, Larry and I are saddened to read of Joyce’s passing. I so enjoyed our conversations at the office of the Baker Livestock Sales Barn. She was a smart lady, very involved in the business, and also very involved in the economic development of Fallon County and Eastern Montana. She always called a spade a spade and was fun to be around. We will keep you in our prayers.
Bill and Rita Hanley says
Thoughts and prayers to the Almy family. We as 4-Her’s in Fallon County remember Joyce keeping things moving smoothly. God Bless
Renee Nelson says
To Bill and the rest of the Almy family: We were sorry to hear about Joyce’s passing. Sending our condolences to you. Tom & Renee Nelson
Leslie Janshen says
Prayers for all of you! What a wonderful lady with a great outlook on life. Thinking of all of you. Jeff & Leslie
Sharon Oftedal says
I didn’t know Joyce, and I can see that is a huge loss and missed opportunity for me. Her obituary is one of the best I’ve ever read, and I’ve read quite a few ! Clearly she had a huge impact on a number of people, and my heart goes out to all of you who were fortunate enough to be her family and friends.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
To Bill and all the Almy Family, She was a very special person ,We always enjoyed our visit with her at the sales rings and where ever. Our thoughts and prayers with you all .God Bless
Ann Ashley Byrd says
Curtis, So sorry to hear of your Mom’s death
Darlene Williams says
Ed and Darlene Williams
Many memories from the time we were neighbors living in Baker. Sorry for her leaving so soon, but we know that is what life is all about and hard to understand. Prayers for everyone.
Derf Bergman says
Prayers of peace and comfort to you all.
Maralee Burdick says
Our sincere sympathy to Bill and all the family. Have many fond memories of Joyce! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Jacob Slichter says
What a beautiful remembrance of a beautiful soul! I’m grateful to have known her and grateful for all the ways she touched those near to her and, through her many good works, even those she never met.
Mark & Sandi Toennis says
We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert A, Rigby, Jr, says
Lots of fond memories of attending the Methodist Church in Miles City with Bill & Joyce. She was a very classy lady and always in a pleasant frame of mind. I’m sure she’ll be missed by many. RIP Joyce.
Clifton and Victoria Lewis says
Our thoughts and prayers go to Curtis, Patsy and Toby-Jeanne and the Almy family for their loss of Joyce. Another musician in heaven. Let us all sing and rejoice!