Joyce M. Nee

Passionate educator, devoted Catholic, lover of the outdoors. Beloved sister, friend and wife, and most of all, extraordinary mother to her own children and countless others. Joyce Nee brought comfort, happiness, and joy to everyone who had the honor of knowing her.

Joyce M. Nee, 86, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, at Hospice House in Spokane, Washington, surrounded by her loved ones. Joyce was born January 26, 1930, in Republic, Washington, to Hugh and Marguerite Maycumber. She graduated from Republic High School in 1947, then spent a year working and exploring with her best friend, Bernice Theile (Kuehne), in Seattle, Washington. She returned to Republic in 1948. On February 2 of the following year, she married Thomas O. Nee of Keller. Keller would be their home for the remainder of their lives, where they would operate a cattle ranch and raise nine children.

Joyce worked for the Keller School District for more than 30 years. She held many positions, such as school board member, bus driver, and superintendent. In her time with the school district she made an impact on an immeasurable number of lives, much like she did in all of her activities.

Joyce enjoyed playing pinochle with friends and relatives, tending to her garden, creating beautiful quilts and appreciating the scenery of the San Poil Valley. She was a devout Catholic who served the Saint Rose of Lima Church throughout her entire life in Keller. In addition to serving the church, Joyce was involved in Catechism, various Ultreyas, and many Cursillos.

Her legacy lives on through her children: David (Veronica), Linda (Chris), Penny (John), Ruby (Alan), Tom (Tena), Mike(Mary Jo), Les (Brenda), Jody (Andy), and Jamie (Lynne); her grandchildren: Richard, Torie, Spencer, Joahlee, Gage, Sawyer, Gary, Andy, Stockton, Matthew; and her great-grandson, Cash.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Thomas O. Nee; her parents, and her siblings: Doris, Donald, Phyllis and Gilbert.

Services were held at the Keller Community Center in Keller. The Rosary was held Friday, January 6, at 7 p.m., and the funeral to follow on Saturday, January 7, at 10 a.m.

Joyce was a strong member of the Keller community, a legend, some say. Her absence will be felt by all. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Keller, or to the Hospice House in Spokane, Washington, in Joyce Nee's memory.

Please sign Joyce's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is serving Joyce's family.