Joyce Darlene Gumm

6/22/1943 - 3/13/2017

Born to Walter and Cordie Tiegs, Joyce was the middle of three children, Keith, and Karen respectively. Joyce grew up in Wilbur, WA. She loved living on the farm. She loved taking care of the calves. She also spent a lot of time with her Dad taking care of things around the farm. She shared many stories of the adventures of her childhood. One of our favorites is when she hypnotized her Mother's chickens. She got them dizzy and then tucked their heads under their wings. The chickens just laid there still as could be. Joyce ran into the kitchen saying the chickens are dead! Her Mother, Cordie, loved her chickens and could not imagine what had happened. Joyce decided to let her Mom see the chickens were fine and she gently nudged them and one by one they popped their heads up and waddled off just fine as could be.

Joyce went to nursing school after she graduated. She greatly enjoyed taking care of others. She was always quick to share her smile and ease all those she came into contact with. While working as a nurse in Odessa, WA she met her husband, Charlie Gumm. They were married on December 28, 1968. They moved often as the Army had their own plans.

Charlie and Joyce had two daughters, Peggy and Twila. After Charlie retired from the Army they moved to Spokane, WA in 1978. They bought a house and Joyce was a homemaker. She was a room mother at school, Blue Bird Leader, PTA Board member, Cheerleader and whatever else was asked of her. She was supportive of all of us and was eager to encourage us and share in our success. Joyce loved everything she did and made all those around her feel better.

Joyce was willing to try new things to help support her family. She made and sold a myriad of things over the years, ultimately using the business name of Gumm Drops Etc. Tri-Chem, which opened up many opportunities to create and learn colors other than what came in our Crayola box. She did Bazaars where she sold things that both she and Charlie made. She loved coming up with new things to make and sell.

She had a very successful candy making business that allowed her to meet many fun and new people. I know there are more than I am able to recall at the moment...

Joyce was always up for an adventure. She enjoyed travelling. She never met a stranger no matter where she was. She was quick to share a story or some interesting tidbit with anyone. Charlie and Joyce had many journeys and enjoyed being together looking at the countryside. They liked finding new food places and sharing their travels with others.

One of the best trips we were able to go on was the Disney Alaskan Cruise. She loved seeing the icebergs, seals during birthing season, and whatever else that was available to be done. Our servers made her feel like a Queen and she loved checking in with them about all we had done each day. She loved going to family reunions and high school get-togethers. She was always up for whatever was planned, always a great attitude!

One of her greatest joys was her granddaughter, Megan. She taught Megan so very much! Some of what they did together was crafting, tweaking recipes, and cooking (Megan learned how to work with a knife with safety and confidence.) Joyce loved being a doting Nana and supporting Megan in all of her events. Nana would bring cookies for Megan and her teammates when they had a game. She was Megan's biggest cheerleader.

Joyce will be remembered as a wonderful Daughter a terrific Sister, a loving Wife, and true Friend, a supportive Mother, and a doting Grandmother.

We will miss her bright smile!

We Love You