Joyce Caroline Anderson

Joyce Caroline Anderson, 90, passed away on October 7, 2024, in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Born to her parents Hazel and Ernest Miller on December 21, 1933, in Leonia, Idaho. Joyce's life was characterized by her beautiful spirit, her deep love for her family, and a consistently positive attitude that touched everyone she met.

Joyce graduated from John Rodgers High School in Spokane, Washington. It was there, while pitching in a softball game, that she met her husband to be, Arnold Anderson. They were married 3 years later on May 5, 1952. Shortly after getting married, Arnold joined the Coast Guard and they moved to Ketchikan, Alaska. Upon completion of his service commitment, they returned to Spokane where Arnold accepted a job with Gerber Baby Foods. During his career at Gerber, they moved nine times to nine different cities. After retiring they relocated to Sun Lakes, Arizona, where they have lived for over 28 years.

Joyce loved sports, including swimming, golf, and bowling…but by far bowling was her favorite. The week before her passing she was still bowling and maintaining a 156 average. She and Arnie also enjoyed traveling, which included road trips, various cruises and visits to several European countries, as well as Japan and Mexico. She was always ready for a card or dice game or putting a puzzle together with family and friends.

Joyce loved family, but by far was most proud of her ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Each one had a special place in her heart and she was always willing to share an update of their recent adventures and accomplishments

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Arnold, her sons and their families: Scott and Ladena Anderson - Ashlea and Bill Johnson (Addylea and Liam), Austin and Lindsey Anderson (Brooklyn); Mark and Judy Anderson - Brooke and Scott Whitfield (Dagny and Woods), Morgan and Pete Borlase (Pierre and Pedrie), Haley and Nik Cehura (Sonny), Wyatt Weiss, Garrett Weiss; brother Dick and Deanne Miller; extended family members: Vicki Anderson; Steve and Michelle Burt - Mike and Monica Burt (Evelyn), Jake and Melanie Burt (Lila Joyce and Brinley), Kenzie and Rae Newman; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by beloved daughter Crystal Burt, brother Bob Miller and sister Marylou Mathrusse.

Special thanks to nieces Laura Olson, Terri Truttman, and Carla Burke, friends Rick and Beverly Merritt, Pastor Mitch McDonald and the Sun Lakes Community Church for their expressions of love and support of the Anderson family.

Joyce's legacy of love, faith, hospitality, generosity and laughter will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. Her generous and charitable nature was evident through her active involvement in various community and church activities. Joyce was deeply loved by many and will be remembered for her kindness and dedication to helping others. Surely, we take great comfort knowing she is now at home with our Lord Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Sunday November 24th at 11:30 a.m. at the Sun Lakes Community Church located at 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd N. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a cause close to Joyce's heart, as her daughter Crystal passed away at an early age to this disease. Contributions may be sent to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 4742 N 24th St. Phoenix, AZ 85086 or online at Give.cff.org.