Joyce Thomas

Beloved sister, aunt and friend, Joyce M. Thomas, 68, of Osburn, Idaho passed away January 24, 2014 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg. She was born February 1, 1945 in Wallace, Idaho; Joyce was the daughter of Frederick and Lelah Cruzan.

Joyce attended and graduated from the Missoula High School of Missoula, Montana in 1963, before moving back to the Silver Valley, her home for the remainder of her years.

Joyce met and married the love of her life Le-Roy M. Thomas. They were joined together in marriage in Wallace, Idaho on November 23, 1968. Joyce was preceded in death by her loving soul mate late in 2013, just weeks before celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. Joyce took great comfort in the belief that they would be reunited for eternity upon her passing.

After marriage, Joyce worked for several years at Fonks in Wallace and had many stories to share about those days. Her most important role was that of homemaker and life with Le-Roy, to which she was dedicated. She embraced the role of wife and was an avid cookbook and recipe collector, master crafter and famous for her jewelry Christmas trees. Joyce was also an ardent pet owner and advocate of animals. She loved her dog Jo-Lee and often adopted abused or homeless animals.

Joyce is survived by her sister Jean Baldwin and brother John Cruzan both of California; brothers-in-law Don (Connie) Thomas of Spokane, Washington, Ron Thomas of Post Falls, Idaho, and Richard (Sharron) Thomas of Ukiah, California; she is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved in-laws Math and Hilda Thomas, her husband Le-Roy and eleven siblings including sisters Bertie Smith, Ellene Parker, Doris Adair and brothers Cecil, Shannon, Bill, George, Dave, Clifford and Alvin.

A gathering of Family and Friends and a Celebration of Joyce’s Life and inurnment will be held in the Spring.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to Shoshone Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 884, Kellogg, Idaho 83837 or to the Shoshone Humane Society, P.O. Box 1005, Kellogg, Idaho 83837.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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