Joyce Ruth Knutson

Born October 7, 1940 at Sutter Memorial in Sacramento and after a short illness passed on March 1, 2026, at Kaiser Roseville with her daughter Debra by her side. Sadly this time she was not able to bounce back.

During her youth, she was a member of Rainbow for Girls and as an adult joined Heber Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star where once a year she and her mother provided decorations and refreshments. It was a special time between them. Mom recently received her 50 year pin.

Joyce earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Sacramento State College, student teaching but never pursued a full time teaching position.

She made special memories supporting her children in youth activities, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, bowling, softball, and Job's Daughters. Was a talented seamstress, sewing many Job's Daughters formals for her daughter along with her future daughter-in-law's wedding dress.

Amongst other talents, she enjoyed cake decorating and was passionate about gardening. None of her gardeners could meet her expectations!

Retired in 2000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation scheduling school reservations, a career which she enjoyed, but due to her husband's declining health, it was time to say goodbye to the working world.

She was fortunate to travel across Canada by train, cruise the New England States, Alaska, Hawaii, down the Mississippi River, including an overseas trip with her husband to Greece.

Loving entertainment, she was a season ticket holder to many Broadway performances. Her favorite channel was PBS watching musicals and programs from England along with Jeopardy, Lawrence Welk and Young Sheldon.

Survived by her loving family, daughter Debra Knutson, daughter-in-law Pam Knutson, brother Daniel Winkelman, multiple cousins, several special friends, her pugs Casper and Wendy, her three grandcats, Shadow, Blue and Grasshopper, and granddog Lilo to whom she was Grandma "Biscuit."

Preceded in death by husband of 40 years, Holger Knutson, son, Kevin Knutson, and her parents Ruth and Ernest Winkelman.

Joyce loved family gatherings. It is now time for her to fly free with the angels, free from pain and join all her loved ones gone before.