Joyce Helen (Boots) Rogness died in her home with her granddaughter by her side on August 1st 2024. Joyce was born July 15th, 1937, to Lajoi and Florence (Murray) Boots. She was the second of four children. Joyce married Ardell Rogness on June 26th, 1954, and to this Union was born one son, Raymond Ardell (Tinkie). Joyce was blessed with three grandchildren Heather, Jenna, Skyler, three great-grandchildren Chase, Teigan, and Riley.

Growing up, Joyce had a very special bond with her father. While Joyce sang and played guitar, her father played fiddle. Together, they traveled and performed at many barn dances and weddings in the area. This began a love for music that carried on throughout her entire life. Joyce and Ardell owned and operated the City Bar in Watford City for two decades. During those years they sponsored dozens of softball and baseball teams, served thousands of pounds of slush burgers and baked beans, twenty Christmas Eves of endless Tom and Jerrys, and enjoyed thousands of Friday nights filled with friends, beers, laughs, and darts.

Joyce and Ardell spent many Winters snow birding in Apache Junction Arizona with their furry companion Sam. During this time many lifelong friends from all over the United States were made. Joyce was a dedicated member of the Eagles Club and Auxiliary and enjoyed spending time with the members. She especially loved spending time with her closest friends Becky, Claudia, and Sharon.

Joyce is survived by her three grandchildren Heather, Jenna, and Skyler; three great-grandchildren Chase, Teigan, and Riley; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and many friends that she dearly loved.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ardell; one son Raymond; both parents; two sisters Mava (Bunny) and Wanda; one brother Duane (Jake); one nephew Joie; one niece Starr; and one great great niece Lillian. Joyce will be missed by many.


But what about when you're dead and gone? Will you love me then? Does love go on? Look at the night. At the moon in the dark. Look at the stars, how they shine and glow. Yet most of the stars died a long time ago. Still they shine in the evening skies....love, like starlight, never dies.

Memorial Contribution