Obituary of Joyce Merle Rash

December 21, 1948 – Elrose, Saskatchewan

July 1, 2023 – Okotoks, Alberta

It is with profound sadness and grief, the family of Joyce Merle Rash, announce her passing safely into the arms of Jesus at the Foothills Country Hospice, in Okotoks, AB, on July 1, 2023, at the age of 74 years.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband Doug Rash, daughter Robin (Tom) of Calgary, AB, and daughter Jana (Paul) of Okotoks, AB. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren Shawn, Jesse, Ryan, Nyah and Wilson as well a great granddaughter due this summer.

Joyce is also survived by her two sisters, Marian Moore (Andy) and Hilary Wiebe. She was predeceased by her father Harold Wiggins in 1986 and her mother Gwen Wiggins in 1999.

Joyce was born in Elrose, Saskatchewan, the third daughter of Harold and Gwen. She loved her summers at the lake enjoying her time with friends and family as she grew up.

After a move to Alberta and two daughters, Joyce enjoyed many years working as an executive assistant at Trans Canada Pipelines. She loved her work and the dear friends she made during her time with TCPL. Volunteering was a big part of Joyce’s life, namely Girl Scouts and Calgary Special Olympics, both of which were very dear to her heart.

Joyce spent many special years living and adventuring with her loving husband, Doug. They built a home on Columbia Lake, BC, and had many wonderful years there. After retiring, the pair bought a home in Arizona and wintered there as “snow birds” making wonderful memories and beautiful friends.

Joyce courageously battled chondrosarcoma for over a year and managed to keep her amazingly positive attitude, zest for life, love for her family and fantastic senses of style and humour. She will be greatly missed and lovingly cherished and remembered.

The family would like to thank the Foothills Country Hospice for their incredible care and compassion. They have been a true blessing to Joyce and her entire family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks, AB, T1S 1S1, Telephone: (403) 995-4673, www.countryhospice.org.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 10:00AM. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Joyce’s service, streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Joyce Rash, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

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