Joyce M Gillihan

Joyce Marian Van Wechel Gillihan passed away suddenly but peacefully on November 11, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington. Joyce was born on July 6, 1932 in Gromore, Washington to Roy Arend Van Wechel and Jennie Jongewaard Van Wechel. Joyce was the youngest of six (6) children. Preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Doris Genevieve Van Wechel Weddle, Vernon Van Wechel, Orville Van Wechel, Irene Van Wechel Thomas, and Joann Van Wechel Jackson. Joyce married Doyne Eugene (D.E.) Gillihan November 9, 1949 in Coeur D' Alene, ID and together made their home in Sunnyside until 2008 when they moved to Prosser. Joyce was preceded in death by Doyne on December 15, 2008.

Joyce did not finish high school before marrying as she met Doyne after he came home from the War and she said that was the problem - he was too handsome. We were so proud of her as she received her GED in 1978 and attended classes at Yakima Valley College and Heritage College in the early 1980's. She enjoyed learning. She enjoyed canning, gardening, antiquing, and breeding labs. She was a fun and loving Mom. We have many wonderful memories and a lot of laughter. She always had a beautiful smile and her advice was to laugh at yourself before anybody else could beat you to it. They had a very successful farm; raising among other things: replacement heifers, asparagus, concord grapes, fuji apples, and five (5) children. Linda (Aaron) Powell, Mike (Sandee) Gillihan, Steve Gillihan, Don (Roni) Gillihan, and Lori (Kevin) Hollingsworth. Joyce is survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Graveside will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA. There will be a celebration of life planned later in the summer around what would have been her 92nd birthday.   Those wishing to sign Joyce's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.