Joyce E. Thomas

“Mom…Someone who reaches out for your hand, and touches your heart.” Joyce E. Thomas, 77, of Yelm, Washington, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015. She was born November 1, 1937 in Reardan, Washington to Rev. Everette M. and Edith T. Filbert. As a child, Joyce lived in many small communities throughout Washington and Idaho, moving with her parents, as her father served as a Minister for the Methodist Church. She graduated from Okanogan High School in 1955, and soon thereafter moved to Seattle, Washington. She married Roland D. Thomas on December 28, 1956 in Yelm, Washington, and they began devoting their lives together, raising their family, working at various jobs, and participating in many church and school activities throughout the years. They lived in Seattle from 1956 to 1980, and lived a short while in College Place, Washington from 1968 to 1970, returning to Seattle in 1970, and later moving to Yelm in 1980. Joyce worked at a variety of jobs for 32 years, and especially enjoyed her work with the Shoreline School District from 1970 to 1980. She also worked at Hooper Holmes Investigating, F.B. Connelly Co., and Valley Trading Post. Joyce had many joys in her life; she loved being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren the most. Her other pleasures included playing card games, camping, playing the piano, and working on arts and crafts. She enjoyed summer bowling leagues with friends and family, being involved with her children through sports, PTA and school events, and she was a big fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners. She also had a few family favorite recipes she liked to cook, and her beloved marshmallow sweet potatoes will be missed by all! Joyce received the PTA Golden Acorn for her dedicated volunteer service to children at North City Elementary. She was also very proud of her volunteer service to the Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge, and with several church leadership groups throughout her life. She was always concerned and caring about the well-being of others, and always told those close to her, “I love you more!” Surviving her are sons, Jeffrey (Barbara), Ronald (Mary), and David (Tami), and daughter, Tari (Juan) Galindo, all residing in Washington; her sister, Dorothy Merriman of Spokane, Washington; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; her parents; and by her sister, Marian Andrews. Mom, with grace and dignity, you have moved on. Dad has reached his hand out to you to join him so that you both may now live your heavenly lives with the peace and happiness that was meant to be. We all love you, Mom. We will miss you immensely, and we promise to live our lives as lovingly as you lived yours. The family asks that memorial gifts be made to support Care Management (Sister Rita Fund) and Palliative Care at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Gifts may be mailed to: Providence St. Peter Foundation, 413 Lilly Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506, or made online at www.providence.org/giving. Please leave memories of Joyce or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.