Joyce McAfee Celander
17 June 1930 – 17 January 2020
Joyce McAfee Celander was born to John and Aline McAfee in White Sulphur Springs, Montana on June 17, 1930. She was the fourth of seven siblings; and in their order of birth were Beth McAfee (Johnston), Lawrence McAfee; John “Boone” McAfee; Joyce McAfee (Celander); Lyle “Tuck” McAfee; Deryl McAfee (Mayn); and Jane McAfee (Zieg). Her parents, John and Aline McAfee and all siblings have currently passed except Janey, the youngest of the seven McAfee children of John and Aline.
Joyce married Walter “Wally” G. Ringer in November of 1947; and bore two children, David “Dave”, born in September, 1950; and Daniel “Dan”, born in February, 1952. Joyce and Wally later divorced and Joyce began life by herself as both her sons were now grown with lives of their own; Dave, living and working in Seattle; and Dan, living and working in Meagher County.
In 1974, Joyce began dating Edwin Celander; and their friendship grew to where they spent their time together learning to Square Dance, Ski, Snowmobile, get started in playing Golf, and many other activities which developed into a “Rest-Of-Their-Lives” Romance, Friendship and True Love which culminated with their joyous marriage on June 20, 1981. Their marriage became the cornerstone and foundation of their lives together until Joyce, surrounded by family and friends at Mountainview Medical Center Hospice Care departed life on January 17, 2020; exactly five months short of her 90th birthday.
Joyce was employed by Meagher County first as Deputy Treasurer and eventually moved into being the Meagher County Treasurer through her superior’s retirement, and then through the election process. She retired in 1992 and spent her time in retirement in her hobbies which included sewing family-oriented artsy appliqué wall hangings; and especially into music. She was an accomplished pianist, and vocalist; and usually had music playing throughout her days rather than watching television, unless PBR was being televised which was one of her all-time favorites. Being the daughter of a ranching family always had her interested in both local and televised Rodeos.
Joyce also served as a Volunteer Docent for the Bair Family Museum in Martinsdale and was active in Red Hats Ladies; Served in The Order of Eastern Star being selected as Worthy Matron in 2005 and Grand Representative to Vermont in Montana in 2009; as well as serving in The American Legion Auxiliary, and also served as a Volunteer for Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course. Her service activity also included various activities for the Yoked Parish where she attended, with Ed, Church Services every Sunday.
Joyce loved travelling to so many different places. She and Ed, upon Ed’s retirement, made trips to Alaska and Canada pulling their Fifth-Wheel, as well as leaving Montana winter behind, became “Snow-Birds” and spent Winter in the more accommodating weather at Yuma, Arizona, as well as venturing into Mexico for adventures as well. One of her trips which she and Ed embarked upon was to accompany a White Sulphur Springs High School Art group with additional mature chaperones on a trip through Europe. It was quite an adventure, what with the jet airplane ride, and travels through the European nations visited which had only been previously seen in photographs in text books or postcards from other travelers.
Joyce loved telling, hearing, and sharing humorous stories. She had the truly amazing ability to share laughter and could find humor in most any situation which drew many people to her so she could help them through her ability to create laughter. Her empathy helped make her physical beauty even more so beautiful. She always wanted her hair to be done properly, her jewelry to be complimentary to her clothing choice of the day; and her checkbook always to balance when she would receive her bank statement in the mail.
She had a very special relationship with all of her Grandchildren, never forgetting birthdays, or Congratulations when she saw their names in the Newspaper for being on the Honor Roll at school. When she was blest with Great-Grandchildren, the same attributes applied and her pride in all of them was evident in her testimony about them.
Joyce was a very “Special” Auntie to her nieces and nephews, to which they would attest. There were incidences of “Confidential Information” of which the Moms and Dads may never have known, because “Secrets” shared with Auntie Joyce were held safely until there was truly a time or need to know by the Moms and Dads; and could be communicated with Humor severely diffusing the need for discipline. All a part of “Lessons Learned”.
Joyce was preceded in death by the immediate family members previously noted; and 1 Grandchild, Chase Ringer, who passed in 1980.
Joyce is survived by her Loving Husband, Edwin, of 38 years, her sons, Dave Ringer (Kathleen), Dan Ringer (Charlene); her step-children Cinda Celander, Andy Celander (Claudia), and Rochelle “Shelly” Celander; her sister, Janey Zieg (George); as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, 10 Grandchildren, and 14 Great-Grandchildren.
A Very Heartfelt “Thank You” is extended to all of Joyce’s Community Friends and Family who came to visit her in her last days. She may not have been able to show her joy that you visited, but….She Knew You were there!!!
Her Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25th at The Yoked Parish Church, followed by Graveside Service at Mayn Cemetery; and then back at the Yoked Parish Church for Coffee Hour/Lunch Fellowship.
In lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to one of Joyce’s favorite charities, i.e., Mountainview Medical Center, The Yoked Parish Church, or The Meagher County Community Center.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 25, 2020
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Graveside Service
Following the Service
Saturday January 25, 2020
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday January 25, 2020
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 25, 2020
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Graveside Service
Following the Service
Saturday January 25, 2020
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday January 25, 2020
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
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cheryl robinson says
I am so sorry for the loss of Joyce. such a beautiful woman inside and out. love and prayers to the family
Carla Porath says
It saddens me greatly to hear of Joyce’s passing. As a 1st cousin 2x removed, she welcomed me into her home the first time we met about 2005. I drove into town, called the first McAfee name in the phone book and was directed to Joyce. My great-grandmother and her mother were sisters. My husband and I spent a lovely evening in her home with she and Ed, Janey and George visiting, looking at photos, laughing and talking genealogy!!! The only other time I saw Joyce was at George and Janey’s home a few years later. A lady of grace and compassion whose beautiful smile left a lasting impression I will never forget. My heartfelt condolences to all the family. Please know Jim and I share your loss and grieve with you.
Karie a Wiltgen says
Our thoughts and prayers with all the family in this time of your loss. Sincerely Virginia Swandal and family
Chuck and Carole Plymale says
Dear Ed and families,
Chuck and I want to extend our sympathy to you with Joyce’s passing. She was such a special lady, always had a beautiful smile, she was such a joy to visit.
We are unable to attend the funeral on Saturday but want you to know we will be with you in prayer and spirit.
With love,
Chuck and Carole Plymale