Joyce Skedsvold, 87, of Squaw Gap, ND, formerly of Culbertson, MT and Alexander, ND, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017 at Sidney Health Center Extended Care in Sidney, MT. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

Joyce was born on a farm in McKenzie County, ND and was the 2nd of 4 children born to Peder and Gladys Olson of rural Alexander, N.D. She attended a country school, walking 1½ miles uphill (both ways as the story goes) and then later boarded with family friends in Williston, ND to attend school there. The family moved to Salem, Oregon during her high school years. After high school she attended Emanuel Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon. She loved her nursing school years and made lifelong friends in Portland. After finishing nursing school, Joyce married her childhood sweetheart, Arne Skedsvold, in March of 1952. They began their married life in Bozeman, MT and after living in Deer Lodge, Billings, Plentywood (all in MT) they finally settled in Culbertson where they raised their family.

Joyce was a wonderful mother and wife and had so many talents. When she wasn’t milking goats for her children, she could be found planting flowers, teaching Sunday school, or baking. Joyce surrounded herself with a home full of plants, photos, dogs, cats and of course, her very active children. Joyce also surrounded herself with friends and patients. Thus, there was always a fresh pot of coffee brewing and many a meal was interrupted by someone needing care.

Joyce went back to work full time as an R.N. when the oldest of her children was in elementary school. Rising with the sun each morning, Joyce would always read her devotions. She loved to read medical journals, play the piano, sing and play solitaire. She also loved to dance and would often would spontaneously dance with Arne in the kitchen. She could knit intricate Scandinavian hats and mittens without any patterns. She embroidered so well you couldn’t tell the front from the back. She sewed many dresses, outfits, down coats, prom dresses and costumes for all of her children.

It was no coincidence that her name was Joyce. The definition of “Joy” is a “feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Joyce brought immense joy to those around her and had a contagious smile and love for life. Even throughout her battle with dementia Joyce never stopped smiling.

Later in life Joyce and Arne moved home to the Ranch, homesteaded by Arne’s mother and two brothers on Hay Draw in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands. There they had the opportunity to spend more time together with her beloved animals and the scenery. She loved her neighbors, who were to become a vital part of her being able to remain at home on the ranch for the last number of years. These dear friends and the Ladies of Grace Lutheran provided Joyce with a social life and loving care.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Arne of family ranch in McKenzie Co; and seven children: Kristin Hallgrimson of Missoula, MT; Karen (Bruce) Smith of Fallon, MT; Peter (Beth) Skedsvold of Alexander, ND; Deann (Greg) Heen of rural Williston, ND; Debbie (Lowell) Cutshaw of Bridger, MT; Paul (Jennifer) Skedsvold of Winchester, VA; Kari (Bob) Workmeister of Portland, OR.

Joyce also was the proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren all of whom she adored.

Sisters; Dorothy Schrupp, Costa Mesa CA, Faye (John) Bacon, Carlsbad, CA.

Joyce is also survived by many cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and friends around the world.

Joyce was preceded in death by son Kirk (18 months), grandson Andrew Heen, her parents Peder and Gladys, her brother Jerry, her beloved in-laws Anton and Anna Skedsvold, her son-in-law Mark Hallgrimson, her brother-in-laws Harold (Hal) Schrupp, Al Ley. Arne’s siblings; Carl, Gunder, Adeline, Alfred. Sister-in-laws Sue Skedsvold, Delores Skedsvold and Norma (Olson) Wilbur.

Memorial Contribution