Joyce Arbelle Self, born Jan. 27, 1927 to Fred and Marion Ausk at Cass Lake, Minn., died peacefully surrounded by family on Sept. 6, 2007, at Providence Medical Center in Everett. She was the youngest sibling of eight brothers and sisters all of whom preceded her in death.

She married her husband Pat Self in 1946 after meeting on the corner of 4th and Pike in Seattle while he was on leave from the Navy. Joyce has lived on Whidbey Island since 1975 with Pat in their family home in the Ledgewood Beach development, Coupeville. Prior to moving to Whidbey, Joyce and Pat lived and raised their family in Southern California.

She worked for 25 years for Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City, Calif., as the hospital office manager. She was a mother of two children, Trisha Sullivan, born Jan. 20, 1947, and Rick Self born Jan. 3, 1949.

Joyce was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. She was very active in the Useless Bay Women’s Club, having served as captain in 1984, and serving in various other capacities in the subsequent years. Joyce was kind and generous with her time: cooking, baking, crafts and more. Joyce will long be remembered for her willingness to help and her delicious chocolate cake that she graciously made for her family and friends or for anyone else who asked.

She is survived by her husband Pat, of 61 years; three grandsons Kenneth Conway (Clearwater, Fla.), Doug Conway (Las Vegas), Sean and Haley VonPusle (Bellingham), and two great-grand daughters, Paige and Carly Conway.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Marion Ausk; brothers Harold, Francis, Bradly, Ralph, and Chester Ausk; her sisters Marion Ausk and Evelyn Frese; and her children Trisha Sullivan and Rick Self.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Goodbye Joyce until we meet again.