D. Joyce Searle

D. Joyce Searle, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17th, 2015 at The Gables Assisted Living in Shelley with her eternal companion, Merwyn at her side.

Joyce was born to Kelly and Delia Brooks on July 24th, 1932 in Shelley, Idaho.  She was the oldest of 4 children. During the early years of her life, Joyce’s family lived in Spanish Fork, Utah and during her freshman year returned and settled in Shelley. Joyce graduated from Shelley High School in 1950, where she was involved in Drama and Theatrics.

Joyce married her husband, Merwyn, in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 30th, 1950 and they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. After their marriage, they attended Utah State University where Joyce worked in the President’s office on campus and supported Merwyn while he completed his degrees. Joyce followed her husband to Fairbanks, Alaska where Merwyn served as an Officer in the Air Force, and afterwards they returned to Idaho where Merwyn and his brothers farmed west of Shelley. It was in those early married years that Joyce worked as one of the “rare” female United States Postal Workers and delivered mail in remote rural areas. She loved the tranquil beauty of their farm where she lived the remainder of her life.

Joyce was an active member of the LDS church. She served in the Stake Relief Society Presidency, as well as numerous other church callings with her favorite being Junior Sunday School Coordinator. Joyce lovingly supported her husband while he served as Bishop of the Woodville First Ward of the Shelley Stake for eight years. She and her husband served a mission in the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor’s Center. They later served six years as temple workers and officiators.

Joyce was known for her fierce loyalty to family and strong work ethic. She loved to read and introduced her family to literature, poetry and drama. She was an outstanding cook and once hosted a dinner for a visiting panel of New York food critics. Her fudge and candy making were renown and a favorite treat of her family and friends.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Merwyn; and children, Kristy (Brent) Saunders and Marc (Helena) Searle. She was a great Mom and even a greater Grandmother and will be greatly missed by her grandchildren - Shawn Saunders of Highland, Utah; Cortney (Aaron) Koons of Lehi, Utah, Angela (Weston) Kelley of Shelley, Jason Searle of Provo, Utah and Nadia Searle of Shelley. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kurt; sister, Lois Rae and her grandson Nikolas Saunders.

Joyce’s life, and her vibrant and friendly personality can be highlighted by a poem she kept in her Book of Remembrance.

“A laugh is just like sunshine to freshen all the day,

It tips the peak of life with light and drives

the clouds away.

The soul grows glad that hears it and feels its courage strong;

A laugh is just like sunshine for cheering folks along.

A laugh is just like music, it lingers in the heart,

and where its melody is heard, the ills of life depart.

And happy thoughts come crowding, its joyful notes to greet.

A laugh is just like music, for making living sweet.”

(unknown)

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Woodville First Ward Chapel, 1555 N 700 E.  The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, in Shelley and Saturday morning from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.