Joyce Evelyn Hovis was born to Embert and Frances (Sherwood) Ameele in Portland, OR July 1st, 1932 and had an older brother, Jack. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1950, where she met the love of her life, Ralph Hovis. They married in 1952. In 1955 their first son Gary was born, followed by Greg in 1957.
Joyce worked as a bookkeeper for Skyline Ford in Salem until the family returned to Portland in 1964. She quickly gained employment as an accountant for Fresh Foods. In 1971 she aided her husband Ralph in starting an equipment sales and service company, Coast Crane and Equipment. The company gained traction and over the years expanded to several locations from Alaska to Southern California, with Joyce as head accountant. Joyce left a positive impression on their employees and customers alike. She had many hobbies over the years, including tennis, painting, gardening, latch hook, and quilting. Her favorite activity was going on cruises all over the world and she was able to pursue this full time, and invited her sons and daughters-in-law to join in, when the company sold in 2004.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, son Gary, and brother Jack. She is survived by her son Greg and his wife Sherri, daughter-in-law Linda, granddaughters Katie and Tiffany, great-grandsons Aiden, Rylan, Jasper, and Owen, and by a host of extended family and friends. Joyce had a generous touch that will be missed by all.
