Joyce (Wagner) Shumway, 76, of Miles City passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022, at her home with family by her side. She was born the youngest of 11 children in Glasgow, MT, on August 12th, 1946, to Arthur and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Rittal) Wagner.
When Joyce was 5 years old the family moved to Poplar to start a laundry business and shoe shop in January of 1951. She remembered her school days as mostly trying to behave herself. Her brothers kept close watch on her most of the time to see that she stayed out of trouble. Her favorite childhood memory was ice skating with her brother, LaVerne. Her most cherished past time was doing anything for a laugh much to the chagrin of her parents. Some of her greatest memories growing up were spending the summers with her sister, Alyce, and brother-in-law, Tom Taylor, and her nephews and nieces on the Taylor Farm in Malta. It was a much needed break for her parents. The Taylor girls, Becky, Suzanne and Mary learned exactly what not to say when Aunt Joyce was there for the summer lest they get their mouths washed out with soap. Their motto was, “What happens with the sisters, stays with the sisters….and the aunt, too”. She would talk of those days frequently and always enjoyed going back for reunions and a good laugh.
In 1964 she graduated from Poplar High School in Poplar, MT. We think it was more of a mutual agreement to keep her out of the principal’s office. She always liked to say that after growing up in Poplar, she stayed long enough to get her feather and then get out!
Soon after, she met the love of her life, Charles Shumway, in Wolf Point, MT. After kicking her out of Water Hole #1 for dancing on the pool table, they were married shortly after on May 7th, 1966. They resided in Wolf Point and welcomed their daughter Vanessa Rae in June of 1968. They moved to Miles City, MT in 1972 and soon after in October of 1974 welcomed their son Christopher Wayne.
Joyce, who never met a stranger, soon gained many friends in Miles City. She kept herself busy by raising her children through school. How special it was to have their mother at home! When Chris entered high school, she began working for County Market in Miles City until it closed. She spoke fondly of the many friends she made there. In 1996 she began working for Don Winslow and Associates as well as an administrative assistant for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Block Management division. Joyce treasured her friendships with her coworkers and customers. She was always sure to make the drudgery of work happy and light. She retired in 2015 but was always a steady standby and faithful friend if needed.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Charles; her father and mother Arthur and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Wagner, her father and mother-in-law George and Pearl (Jones) Shumway; her siblings Alyce (Tom) Taylor, Violet (Jim) Boggs, Alvin (Sonny) Wagner Melvin “Bud” (Irma) Wagner, Warren Wagner, Lucille Wagner, Donald (Sandi) Wagner, June (Red) Herring, and Ronald (Pat) Wagner. Her brothers and sisters-in-law George “Sonny” Shumway, Lloyd (Blondie) Shumway, William Shumway, Robert (Linda) Shumway, Donna (Ken) Kellum.
Joyce is survived by her daughter Vanessa (Scott) Zeitner and son Christopher (Verona) Shumway; grandchildren Nicole (Erik) Schwarzkopf, Behling Shumway, Cloah Shumway; Great Grandchild Rhyder Charles Schwarzkopf; her brother LaVerne (Evelyn) Wagner; her brothers and sisters-in-law Sharon Atkins, Ann Hagemeister, Lacey Cortez, Scott (Ana) Shumway, Jeff (Yvonne) Shumway, Joy (Joe) Welch, Rhonda Shumway, Gina Shumway and many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention that were very near and dear to her heart.
Family will Receive Friends on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will take place following the memorial service at Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. A luncheon at the Parlor will follow internment.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 21, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday September 22, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Immediately Following the Memorial Service
Thursday September 22, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
To follow the graveside service
Thursday September 22, 2022
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 21, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday September 22, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Immediately Following the Memorial Service
Thursday September 22, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
To follow the graveside service
Thursday September 22, 2022
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Jessie Beehler says
Vanessa, Chris & family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a gentle, kind woman and she always put others needs as top priority. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Arneson says
Vanessa, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. May God comfort you with the best of memories now and always. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Meg Hernandez says
Vanessa an Family, Sorry to hear of your mom passing I enjoyed visiting with her when I would see her up town. It has been awhile since I saw her but thought of her every so often. If there is anything I can help you with please let me know. RIP Joyce.
Eileen Minette says
Dear Vanessa and Chris,
What a beautiful picture of your mom. She was such a good friend. We had many laughs together and good times.
She was special for sure.
Love and strength to all of you.
Eileen
Suzanne Koss says
Vanessa & Chris, Aunt Joyce was like an older sister to us. We enjoyed her being with us in the summers when we were kids. She reminded me so much of our Mom, Alyce. Her sense of humor was great and I will miss her. Suzanne.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Vanessa, Nicole and family so sorry for your loss.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Chris Petersen says
Dear Vanessa and family 💞
So sorry for your loss 💔
Sending hugs with prayers 🙏💗🙏
Linda Winkley says
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed waiting on you and Chuck, at 4B’S. We always shared a joke or laugh!! Cherish your memories!
Linda Winkley says
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed waiting on you and Chuck, at 4B’S. We always shared a joke or laugh!! Cherish your memories!
Linda Winkley
Kim Smarsh says
Vanessa, my sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your beautiful mother.
Dawn Bolejack says
Vanessa & Chris, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss. So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a beautiful lady with a wonderful smile and great personality.
John Clark says
Sorry to hear this news,
Georgina Shumway says
Vanessa and Chris (10/2/22),
I just learned of the passing of your Mom and am heartbroken. What fun she was and I often think of the times spent with her in Wolf Point when George and I were there – oh, the wonderful memories. My deepest condolences to you and your families. With love, Gena Shumway