Joyce Mitchell
courtesy photo
Joyce Mitchell
ST. IGNATIUS — Joyce Ann Mitchell, age 72, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, from a relatively short battle with lung cancer. Born on Jan. 22, 1946, in St. Ignatius, Joyce lived at various places in the Mission Valley and was able to spend the last few years fixing up her childhood home east of St. Ignatius.
Joyce married Stanley Gilbert Gies out of high school and had three children from their marriage. She was sadly preceded in death by one son, Stan Ray Gies, at age 46 in 2014.
She is survived by Stan’s two children, Cade and Amber, now living in Billings; her two surviving sons, Guy Gies (Susan) and grandsons Cory and Jorren of St. Ignatius, and Wade Gies (Cauline) and grandchildren, Crosby, Price, Dryden, Samuel and Lillian (Alex) and great-granddaughters, Remi and Aria all of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Also preceding her in death were the children’s father in 2016; as well as her parents, Harold and Alice Mitchell; and siblings, Harold Jr., MaryLou (Tootsie), Wayne, Leo, Robert, Shirley and Thomas. Her only surviving sibling is Delores Adams of Arlee, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Joyce attended cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser for a time in Missoula, Ronan and St. Ignatius. She later earned a degree in Early Elementary Education and worked with children in the Pablo Head Start Program for eight years. She adored her flowers and gardening and oil painting. She also enjoyed playing a guitar and singing and often participated in jam sessions with several other musicians and family.
Joyce and her quick infectious laugh will be missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the nieces and nephews who spent time with her growing up and her close friends, cousins and her sister and brothersin- law. Her deep faith in God gave her much comfort in her life and now in her death, is providing much comfort to her family.
