Joyce Loraine Willson, age 78 of Rosebud, Montana passed away Tuesday, September 21,2021 in Forsyth, Montana.
Joyce was born January 14, 1943, in Scranton/Bowman, North Dakota to Raymond and Eva Kirchheck. She went to school in Musselshell finishing her education in Miles City. On September 10,1960 she married Lee Willson. They moved to Rosebud in 1967.
While there, they worked for Swart, Schiffer, and Montgomery Ranches and she worked just as hard as all the guys. She took part in the Rosebud Sidesaddle Club Riding where she rode a sidesaddle Lee and her built. She was a longtime member of the Forsyth Horseshow, as well as 4-H leader for 15 years. She was also a part of the Rosebud County Cowbells. She raised sheep for many years and her love for them was obvious as soon as you entered her home.
In addition, she was a school bus driver for 30 plus years, she was a cook for the Montgomery Ranch, and waited tables at the Longhorn Bar and Steakhouse.
Her hobbies included sewing, leatherwork, and especially crafts, which she taught her grandkids and great grandson to do as well.
She is survived by her sons: Shane of Missoula, Travis (Becky) of Winifred, grandson: Derek (Liz) of Missoula, granddaughters: Kinder of Las Vegas, Kaycee of Rosebud, Kelsey (Justin) of Tempe, Kaci of Missoula, and great grandsons: Colton, Josey, and Jamey, brother: Denny (Sandy) of Miles City, Uncle Arne (Verna) of Canada, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws as well as many nieces, nephews, and great friends.
In addition to her parents and step-dad, she is preceded in death by her husband, daughter, sister-in-law, son-in-law, father-in-law, and brother-in-laws.
Celebration of life will be held at the Rosebud Park at 2:00 PM on October 2, 2021, with luncheon to follow. Everyone is welcome.
Family suggests memorials made in Joyce’s name to:
Rosebud Community Park Association
PO Box 72
Rosebud, MT 59347
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Becky Willson says
I had the honor and pleasure of being her daughter in-law . She was the best and taught me so many things. She was the best mom, grama , great grama we could have asked for. Love you Joyce
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Diane M Welbes says
Joyce worked for my dad—then I got to know her again when I worked at the school–she always had a smile. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Diana Robinette says
I have known Joyce and her family for years, played cards with her and Lee, sending my condolences to the family.
Lori, Shawn, Cherika & Dakota Penrod says
Loved our time spent with Lee & Joyce. What a beautiful soul Joyce was. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Evans says
I hope the wonderful memories you made with Joyce help make her passing bearable. I am glad she is able to re-unite with her heavenly loved ones.
Peggy Quinlan Certain says
With sympathy on the passing of your mom, Shane and Travis and family.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Joyce, being Rick’s oldest brother, Lee’s widow, was a very special lady to me. On Monday when we visited her, she was alert and even joking that sarcastic way only she could do. She just kept saying she could get up and go home if she could just breathe. It was a shocker when she took her last breath the very next day.
We are all going to miss this lamb loving, extremely talented, kind hearted, blunt woman of Faith. RIP our Joycie ❤️❤️❤️
Harriet Jansen says
Sending prayers to all of the Wilson Family. Our children were all school friends. Joyce will be missed by all her friends and family.
Terry & Donna Econom says
Holding you all in our thoughts and prayers💕
Sending you peace for your hearts during this time ♥️
Bill & Brenda Allison says
Such fond memories of Lee and Joyce. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family.
Don Obie says
Condolences for the family
Janet Loomis says
Shane and Travis and families. So sorry for your loss.
Buck Hinman Stecher says
Thinking of you all. She was a huge part of your family and lives. She will be greatly missed. She was one of a kind for sure. She had so much love for everyone.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Shane and Travis and all of Joyce’s family,
Very sorry for your loss! Hold your memories dear to your heart.
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Brigitte harms says
Joyce RIP my friend you will be mist. Prayers and hugs to the family
Mike Willson says
NOBODY ever had a “BAD” word, and everyone loves her!! She is BEAUTIFUL SOUL!! Will be missed!! Love you, Joyce!!
Laura Jane says
Joyce was the sister that I never had. I shall really miss her.
Joe and Loy Martens says
Shane and Travis,
We were surprised and sad to hear about your Mom.
Prayers for you and your families.