Obituary
Joyce Louise “Joy” McDonald
April 27th, 1937 - January 11th, 2024
Joyce Louise “Joy” McDonald, 86, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2024, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Rexburg, Idaho.
Joy was born in LaQuinta, Colorado to Clark and Grace Sherman on April 27, 1937. She was raised in Colorado along with her sister Evelyn, and brother Richard which were both younger than her.
After graduating from high school she attended college for 2 years in the Denver area. She worked various jobs as an HR manager.
In 1976 she came to Howe, Idaho with a friend to visit and met Charles (Chuck) McDonald, eventually moving to Shelley, Idaho, marrying Chuck in 1983. She worked for the INL until her retirement in 2001. She and Chuck made their home in Howe, Idaho at the McDonald homestead which she remained there until October of 2023 when she moved to the Homestead Assisted Living.
Joy was an appropriate name for her, she always had a smile and loved her family and friends unconditionally. Her favorite saying was “Bless you my child”. Her favorite hobby was reading, followed by crocheting, x-country skiing, and she was also an accomplished pilot, even though everyone wondered how she could see out her window to land the plane due to her short stature. She was a member of the ladies pilot club, The 99ers, which led her to many adventures with the group and family members. Her friends and family will miss her smile and laughter.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Evelyn. She is survived by her husband, Charles (Chuck) McDonald of Howe; her brother, Richard (Karen) Sherman of Hawaii; brother-in-law, John (Kathy) McDonald of Arco ; her sister-in-law, Pat McDonald of Arco; her sister-in-law, Kathy (Kay) Lear of Nevada; her brother-in-law, Billie (Patty) McDonald of Howe, and many nieces and nephews
A Celebration of Life service will be held and announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Home. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the care given to her from the staff at the Homestead Living Center.