Joyce Ellen McGinley passed away on December 19, 2020 in Billings. She was 87 years old.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Dan “Pappy” McGinley (2010), and her eldest daughter Sally McGinley-Miles (Mike) of Tucson, Arizona (2017). She was the youngest and last surviving child of Elliot and Eva Minnick. Her brothers Jack, Ken, Bob, and her sister Marty all preceded her in death.
She is survived by 11 children: Case (Gail) of San Antonio, TX; Ed of Ft. Worth, TX; Mike (Colette) of Dillon, MT; Ron of Gillette, WY; Colleen of Dillon; John (Rhonda) of Dillon; Kate McGinley-West (Rand) of Cortez, CO; Mark (Elizabeth) of Helena, MT; Jess (Wyndy) of Williston, ND; Shawn (Kami) of Belgrade, MT; and Margie McGinley-Larson (Jim) of Billings, MT.
Gramma Joyce leaves behind an amazing and life-giving legacy of (35) grandchildren and (30) great grandchildren.
Joyce was born at home in Alliance, NE on February 26, 1933. She married the love-of-her-life, Dan McGinley on December 29, 1951. They lived on the Nebraska ranch until 1958, at which time they moved their young family to Pierre, SD. In 1965, they left South Dakota and moved to Wise River, MT. In 1969, Dan and Joyce moved to Dillon, MT where they would spend the remainder of their lives.
In Dillon, Joyce raised her 12 children, all of whom graduated from Beaverhead County High School, and later enjoyed the many blessings of grand and great grandchildren who filled her life completely. Her life is accurately described by the words of the 23rd Psalm: “My cup runneth over.”
After her kids had grown, Joyce returned to school and received her Nursing degree. She worked for many years at Parkview Acres Nursing Home in Dillon. Nursing is what she had aspired to upon her own graduation, as the valedictorian at Alliance High School 36 years earlier. She was very proud of this accomplishment, as were her children and husband.
Joyce was a woman of great faith and an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She attended Mass regularly and enjoyed working at the Bargain Basement until time itself would limit her mobility and her strength. She continued to live on her own, and in her own home, until age 85.
Joyce gave her life completely, to her husband and to her children, in a manner that is best described as “Agape” or sacrificial love. She held nothing back. She lived out the Gospel message: “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.”
Her life was amazing, inspiring, and wonderful.
Go rest high on that mountain, Mom, and sleep in the arms of the Angels.
The family is planning a Mass and subsequent interment for spring/summer 2021. Information on where to leave memorials will be posted at a later date.