Joyce E Messinger

Dear friends and family,

We come together today to celebrate and remember the life of Joyce Elaine Messinger, her given name was Joycie. Joyce passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, at her home in Provolt, Oregon, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old.

Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Don Messinger; her mother, Altha Messinger; her brother, David Messinger; her sisters, Betty Hyde and Charlotte Muller; and her stepchildren, Alvy Kendall and Shy Oldman. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit and legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born on August 17, 1938, in Grants Pass, Oregon, Joyce spent her formative years in Provolt and graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1956. Her life was a tapestry of varied experiences and passions. She embarked on a remarkable journey, working as a veterinary assistant, serving as a secretary for the Grants Pass Horse Races, and later pursuing opportunities in Anchorage, Alaska. There, she worked in the transport department for the Alyeska Pipeline, sold jewelry, and organized fabulous and exotic banquets.

Joyce was truly a "Jill of all trades." Her interests were as diverse as her career. She found joy in spending time with family and friends, hosting gatherings, and cooking or baking for those she loved. Her involvement in the Provolt Community Church and the China Painter Club in Grants Pass was a testament to her vibrant spirit. Her china paintings, which earned numerous ribbons at the Josephine County Fair including "BEST OF SHOW " were much more than art—they were treasured gifts of love.

Her talents did not stop there. Joyce also played the piano and accordion, crafted stained glass, enjoyed camping with friends, and took pleasure in houseboating, reading, and bargain shopping.

Joyce's family life was marked by both her nurturing spirit and her creativity. She married John R. Wood, with whom she had her daughter, Jayda. She later married George L.Kendall, with whom she had her daughter, Judy. George’s children from a previous marriage—Alvy, George, and Shy—were embraced by Joyce as her own. Together, they formed a blended family where Joyce became the central matriarch. She raised her five children on a farm, surrounded by animals and nature which she loved.

In the 1970s, Joyce purchased a portion of the family farm in Provolt, originally homesteaded by her grandfather, Simon Messinger, in 1856. She lovingly remodeled the historic home, transforming it into a sanctuary of beauty and peace—a place filled with ponds, gardens, and a deep sense of history. This property, now part of Pacifica—A Garden in the Siskiyous, reflects Joyce's enduring connection to her heritage and her love of creating a home.

Joyce’s flair for making holidays special, especially Christmas, was legendary. Her home would be transformed with festive decorations, and the aroma of homemade candy and festive foods would fill the air. Long before the age of Pinterest, she would wrap Christmas gifts in creative themes, turning everyday items into reindeer, snowman sleighs, and gingerbread houses.

Like her pioneer ancestors, Joyce was industrious and creative. She built an extension onto her home for her daughters bedroom, learning various construction skills along the way. She taught her family practical skills, from milking cows to making butter and cheese. Her specialty in canning was renowned, with pickled green beans being a favorite, and she once prepared a grand dinner for 32 people, featuring prime rib with Yorkshire pudding and crème puffs.

Joyce's greatest gift was her boundless ability to love. She is survived by her daughters, Jayda Wood and Judy (Kendall) Broadhead, and her stepson, George Kendall. She is also remembered fondly by her granddaughters: Jessica De Los Reyes, Jennifer West, Andrea Milligan, Mallory Perez, Elizabeth Towne, Samantha Towne, Katie Dugger, and Myra Cobian Williams. Her step-grandchildren include Carmen Kendall, Allison Hendrickson, Ashley Pionke, Carrie Powell, Pieper Bishop, and Jt Oldman. Her great- grandchildren are Zion De Los Reyes, Ariana West, Evonni Brennan, Audrey Bishop, Aiden Milligan, Austin Milligan, Lillyan Perez, Michael Perez, Abby Allen, Mitchel Duggar, Jonathan Cobian, Jacob Cobian. Aiden Kendall ,Jessie Brown, Layla Hendrickson, Silvie Hendrickson.

Joyce had a unique way of making each person she encountered feel special. She would often tell each grandchild that they were her favorite, a sweet tease that made everyone feel cherished. As a skilled painter, a loving mother and grandmother, and a creative force of nature, Joycie will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and joy will live on in the countless lives she touched.

May we carry forward the spirit of her boundless love and the joy she brought into our lives. Rest in peace, Dear Joyce.

Thank you.