Joyce Elizabeth Botnen, age 95, of Miles City passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015 at Sidney Extended Care.
Joyce was born in Kirksville, Missouri on January 16, 1927, the daughter of Guy James Sunderland and Mary Elizabeth Loe. The family moved to Sidney, Montana in the 1930’s. She grew up and attended schools in Sidney. She married Mose Howard in Fairview, Montana on June29, 1939. For many years they both traveled and did road construction work, Art being a heavy equipment operator and Joyce a flag lady. A few years after Moses death Joyce married Moses good bachelor friend and work companion Arthur Botnen on October 13, 1973 in Miles City, MT. They enjoyed years of traveling together in their small pick-up camper.
Joyce loved company and always had coffee or hot chocolate ready for whom ever dropped by. Her many nephews and nieces remember how she always had special cookies, pies, or treats waiting for you. She never moved away from the door or stopped waving goodbye till you were out of sight. She loved to crochet doilies and always had one ready to give to whichever old or new friend stopped by. A few years after Art’s death Joyce came to visit here sister Annette Bower in Sidney, Montana and decided to rent the little white house next door and lived there till Annette passed. After the first long, lonely winter Joyce decided to move to Crestwood Inn in Sidney. Joyce is remembered by many of Sidney’s residents as the lady who put many miles on her walker daily, summer or winter going to town, sometimes accompanied by a big old yellow cat.
Joyce remarked numerous times she never dreamt she’d be the last of her family as she was the first born. She joked about getting to 95 as that’s just to “darn” old to be alive. But she always kept a smile on even when she might like to cry. She waited patiently the last few years for Steve or the two Linda’s to stop by to go walking, for a drive or out to eat. Joyce looked forward to her weekly Friday visits to Hair Plus where Sue Quilling would do her hair.
Joyce was preceded in death by an infant son, her parents, five sisters and three brothers, a niece Charlotte Vanderholf, two nephews David Bower and Larry Sunderland, and a great niece Charla Eggum. She is survived by a special friend and neighbor Steve Voss, a friend Carolyn Rogers and all other Crestwood friends, special caregiver Shenea Rice, friends Wayne and Melissa Rolf of Miles City and numerous nieces and nephews.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday March 2, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday March 2, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 3, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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Kelly Dodge Tarr says
What great neighbors she and Art were. Always made sure, we had some of her baking. Art always said Hell fire, and Joyce aways called my dogs, “Hello dummie dogs”. Funny how things pop in one’s head, when remembering. Blessing to her family.
Ken and Agnes Drane says
I am very sorry I cannot be there. Joyce was always a wonderful friend in Miles City. Sending prayers.
David Braulick and David Ross says
We will miss you thank you for your friendship and all the stuff you done for us ,
Bill & Betty Botnen says
It was with great sadness that we learned of Joyce passing. She was a wonderful aunt and we always looked forward to stopping in to see her and Art on our way back from the Dakotas. I wish I would of known she was living in Sidney I spent a lot of time up there last year on business and would have loved visting with her. Art and Joyce were married a week before Betty and I in 1973.
Libby Thomson says
I have so many good memories of my Aunt Joyce. She was married to my Uncle Mose. As a kid i loved going to their little trailer house by the drive in theatre and sitting outside and watching the movie even though i couldnt hear it! Her famous divinity and cookies, she did always have something for everybody. I loved her and know she is in heaven now. Peace to the family.
Kristina Schumacher her granddaughter says
Would have been nice to have been told that our grandma had passed away. She is survived by her daughter Myrna Hogan and 3 grandchildren, Mark, Kristina and Calleen. 5 great grand children and 2 great great grandchildren.