Joyce Priest

On the afternoon of April 17, 2021, Joyce Priest went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 90. Joyce was preceded in death by her son, Keith Reitz, and husband, Alton Priest. She is survived by three siblings—LeVaughn Garoutte, Kay White, and William Garoutte, three daughters—Karen Morrison, Pennie Longstreet, and Linda Riddle, as well as 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Joyce was born Beulah Joyce Garoutte on December 12, 1930 in Lawrence County, Missouri. Joyce spent the vast majority of her life in the tiny town of Stotts City, Missouri, where she raised cattle, chickens, and even rabbits at one point. Strays found a friendly companion in Joyce. She was an active member of her small church and community, loved to dance and cook, and her green thumb was in verdant evidence within and without her lovely home. Joyce always had two or three small dogs by her side, and never hesitated to open her home to an animal or a grandchild in need. Her legacy is one of deep faith, perseverance, and fortitude.

A memorial will be held to celebrate Joyce’s life at Christian Life Fellowship in Ontario, Oregon. Her remains will be transported to Missouri where she will be interred next to her beloved husband at Red Oak Cemetery in Red Oak, Missouri.

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