Joyce Elaine (Dudeck) Beeksma was called home to the loving arms of Jesus her Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at her home in Oak Harbor, Wash.

Joyce was born on Sept. 22, 1932 in Spokane, Wash., to Harry Frank Dudeck and Elsie Pauline (Hartert) Dudeck. Joyce had one sibling, Ronald Harry Dudeck, who preceded her in death.

Because her father worked for the railroad, Joyce grew up traveling widely around the country with her family.

She was confirmed in Emmanuel Lutheran Church and attended John Rogers High School in Spokane. Joyce went on to graduate with a degree in elementary education from Whitworth College in 1954, where she met the love of her life, Barney Beeksma, as well as many friends who remained close her whole life.

During her college years, she was May Queen for Spokane’s annual Lilac Festival. Whitworth University remained dear to Joyce and Barney’s hearts and they supported several major capital projects, such as a sports facility and campus chapel and theology center.

Barney and Joyce were married on August 22, 1954. She taught in Spokane while Barney served in the U.S. Army in Korea for two years. Upon his return, the couple moved to Barney’s hometown of Oak Harbor where Joyce taught in Oak Harbor schools. She enjoyed being a wife and mother as well as volunteering in local organizations. For many years she was a member of First Reformed Church and served the local church faithfully.

Joyce loved dancing and would smile from ear to ear when she and Barney were the last couple on the dance floor. She also enjoyed travel and did so often with her husband’s employment, including visiting most of the states, numerous times to Washington, D.C. and occasionally to Europe.

Joyce’s greatest joy was family. She and Barney have three children, Joan and Clark Donnell, of Oak Harbor, Mark and Diane Beeksma, of Kauai, Hawaii, and Julie and Kenton Dale, of Oak Harbor.

They provided 10 grandchildren, Kelsea Donnell, Scott (Amy) Donnell, Stacey (Alex) O’Farrell, Joshua Beeksma, Bradley Beeksma, Stuart Beeksma, Andrew Beeksma, Alyssa Beeksma, Heather (Serge) Bakire and Tom (Akasha) Dale, plus three great grandchildren and a fourth on the way.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband Barney and her children and grandchildren. She was known for her joyous heart and optimistic spirit as well as her love for her Lord, her family, and her many friends. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com