Joyce (Parsons) Klabunde

October 13, 1942 - April 21, 2022

Joyce Klabunde passed away at home under hospice care on April 21, 2022 from pancreatic cancer after a courageous 2+ year battle with this disease.

Joyce was born to William and Ida Parsons in Wheatland, WY. She graduated from Fort Laramie HS in 1960. She then attended community college before transferring to the U of Wyoming where she graduated in 1964 with a BA in education She taught in Woreland, WY, before moving to Rawlins, WY, to teach. It was there that she met her husband Richard Klabunde. They were married on May 6, 1967. From there they moved to Bellingham, WA in 1970, then to Anchorage, AK in 1980, and then back to Washington (Stanwood) in 1995 where Richard retired.

While in Anchorage Joyce got an MA in teaching from Alaska Pacific U. She then worked at the Anchorage Literacy Project.

From WA they moved to AZ in 2007 until 2013 when they moved to Castle Rock, CO. They moved back to Stanwood in 2017 to be closer to 2 young grandchildren living in Seattle.

Joyce enjoyed quilting, traveling, fishing and boating with her husband. She also read many books, both fiction and nonfiction. She was a compassionate and caring person who never forgot to send a card to people. Joyce had deep faith in her Lord and took one day at a time.

Joyce is survived by her son Ryan in Houston and Loren in Seattle. Grandchildren are Alex in Houston and Anya and Nico in Seattle.

She is also survived by her sister, Gwen Becker of Green Valley, AZ, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bill.

A memorial service will be held on June 12, 2022 at 2:00PM at Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana, WA.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) or Fred Hutch in Seattle.