Joyce May Vanden Dungen (nee Skaley), age 76 of Spirit River, AB, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, following a stroke.

Joyce was born on May 12, 1948, to Minnie and Steve Skaley in Grande Prairie, AB. She attended Volin and Rycroft schools as well as learned and appreciated Ukrainian dancing in the Volin Hall (and not so much learning the Ukrainian Language). She grew up wearing clothes sewn by Minnie, often having to outrun a large turkey that seemed to have been trained by her older brother, Lawrence, to chase her on trips to the outhouse. Joyce also enjoyed attending baseball games with a pop chilled by ice cut from the Peace River at Dunvegan and stored in an icehouse. After completing her training as a Beautician at the Artistique Beauty College in Edmonton, AB, Joyce opened Joy’s Beauty Salon in Fairview, AB.

While dancing up a storm in 1973, Joyce knocked over a man on the dance floor. That man was Bill Vanden Dungen, whom she married on October 12, 1974. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past Thanksgiving. During their 50-year marriage they welcomed two children, Tracy and Ronald, while farming sheep and grains at their homestead in Fourth Creek, AB.

For fifteen years she operated the First Stop General Store in Savanna, AB. She thrived in the social outlet provided by the constant turnover of neighbors, oil field workers and hunters that came through the store. Joyce was a frequent volunteer for the Savanna Agricultural Society and was most enthusiastic about the bench show at the Savanna Fair.

In her retirement, Joyce welcomed three grandchildren whom she doted on every chance she had. She showed unwavering support in their every interest from performing arts to airplanes to playing Barbies for hours on end. As an avid and talented gardener, Joyce grew vegetables, fruit, trees, and flowers. She also took delight in decorating her yard with ornaments and art found at craft sales and during other adventures. Recently, she enjoyed volunteering at the Spirit River and District Museum.

Those who knew Joyce, knew exactly how she felt and where she stood on any topic. They will miss her quick wit, humour, and love for karma. She was an excellent wife, mother, sister, grandmother, sister-in-law, friend, volunteer, and any other role she took on in which she cared genuinely for all of us.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Steve Skaley and brother, Lawrence Skaley.

She is survived by her husband Bill Vanden Dungen; daughter Tracy (Dustin) Archibald, and son Ronald (Lisa) Vanden Dungen; her beloved grandchildren: Patricia Vanden Dungen, Charles Vanden Dungen and Logan Archibald; along with many extended family members, neighbours and friends.

Joyce did not like people to make a fuss about her. With the time of year of her passing and the overall poor winter driving conditions being a consideration, Joyce would have appreciated the family’s decision to hold a Celebration of Life for her, which will be held on May 10. Location and time to be announced.