Joyce Power Cutler

The only child of Jack Power and Willene Finney Power, Joyce grew up to become an independent young woman who entered Oklahoma State University at age 17 where she met her future husband, Al Cutler of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Al and Joyce were married May 28, 1953. Joyce is survived by her four children, James (Ellen), Anne, Chris (Julia), and Sarah (Bruce), grandson Noah (Joy), grand-daughters Audrey and Abigale and great grand-daughters Emi and Holly, Jene’, mother of great grandson Jaden.

Joyce learned many valuable life lessons from significant matriarchs in her life. Growing up during the Great Depression/pre-WWII era, her mother Willene taught her grit, determination, and tenacity. Her great aunt Lil gave her a deep appreciation of beauty, art, culture, elegance and music. She found countless creative, clever, and entertaining ways to hand these traits down to her children.

In concert with her late husband Al, Joyce was a passionate volunteer with the ARC to assist their daughter Anne. Together they were a guiding force for developing a system of group homes for disabled people in Washington who had previously been limited to institutional living. She worked a full career at the U.S. Census Bureau, bringing her smile, wit, and charm to her role as a canvasser and interviewer.

Joyce and Al moved nearly 15 times in their first 15 years of marriage, and Joyce never slowed down until the last few months of her life. Joyce and Al also traveled the world, visiting countries on seven continents. Lacking a shared language was never a barrier for Joyce; she was always her fearless, outgoing, beaming self whether she was in Spokane or halfway around the world.

Particular thanks to the staff and her many friends at Touchmark Senior Living Community on Spokane’s South Hill for their years of loving kindness and friendship.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church has been Joyce’s church home for many years and will host her Memorial Service on July 20, 2024 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is located at 316 E. 24th Ave. on the corner of 24th Ave. and Grand Boulevard.