Joyce Amelia Pirtle

Joyce Amelia Pirtle passed away on May 31, 2020, at home in Vancouver, Washington, at the age of 80. She was born on April 2, 1940, to Paul and Effie Mortensen in Pasadena, California. She is preceded in death by her parents. Joyce is survived by her husband of 61 years, Rosco Pirtle, her son Kyle Pirtle (Debby), her daughters Melody Hoffman and Natalie Hendricks (Kirk), all of Vancouver, Washington, and by her brothers Keith Mortensen (Ann) of Anchorage, Alaska, Chris Mortensen (Barbara), and Alan Mortensen (Karen) of Yakima, Washington. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ben Pirtle (Aubrie) of Austin, Texas, Jamie Tate (Patrick) of Houston, Texas, and Erin Buell, Jeff Hoffman (Lisa), Camille Hendricks, and Chloe Hendricks of Vancouver, Washington, and by great grandchildren Jackson Tate, Carter Hoffman and Elysia Hoffman. Joyce graduated from Zillah High School in 1958. She was voted Miss Owego of her high school her senior year. That fall, she was homecoming queen at Columbia Christian College. While a student there, she met and fell in love with Rosco Pirtle, a young pharmacist in Vancouver, Washington. The two married on September 7, 1959 and settled in Vancouver. Our firstborn child was full term but died at birth, that traumatic event gave her a great love for all newborns that she loved to hold. Joyce stayed home with their 3 children, Kyle, Melody, and Natalie. When the kids got older, Joyce started an in-home daycare, which she ran for 20 years. She soon limited her children from birth to 1st grade, they were not as rough playing as older children. During that time, "Mama Joyce" poured love into the lives of countless children and many grateful parents. For decades, Joyce was a faithful member, an elder's wife, and a leader in her own right at Vancouver Church of Christ. When Joyce was included in the elder's meetings, she counted that at one of her best blessings. Joyce was delighted to open her home for church meetings and classrooms, so her home was often referred to as the second church office, taking calls and helping when the office was closed. She served others with grace and gentleness, great compassion, and a surprising twist of humor. She loved the Lord with all her heart. She fed more meals to more people than could ever be counted. She took people into her home and heart without asking for anything in return. She and Rosco were the Executive Northwest Team couple with Marriage Encounter for many years, helping couples strengthen their marriages. One of Joyce's great joys was cooking. She made birthday cakes for all Rosco's co-workers every year. If you asked Joyce to bring some cookies for a youth event or a church potluck, she would likely show up with 10 dozen in several varieties, each one tastier than the last. She compiled hundreds of her favorite recipes into a cookbook-several inches thick-that she gifted to generations of newlyweds and missionaries in many countries. Flower gardening was a passion in her life, she loved the way God created color and beauty in her garden, she would often work so late she had to turn on the lights to finish her gardening Joyce saw the best in people. She did not draw attention to herself, but everyone who met her knew they had found a friend. She was an excellent listener and question asker, which made people instantly recognize she cared for them. She showed this care through sending birthday and anniversary cards faithfully to hundreds of people a year, by sewing baby blankets and burp cloths for new mommies and babies, and by quietly "adopting" people that she would check in with regularly. Joyce was loved by many. She blessed countless people through the years. The love she shared will live on through her family, friends, and recipes. In lieu of a service, Joyce's family is considering this season a "living memorial" as loved ones share photos and memories via cards and texts. Cards can be sent to 6704 Kansas St. Vancouver, WA 98661. Memorial gifts in her honor can be made to Vancouver Church of Christ.

Joyce Amelia Pirtle

April 2, 1940 - May 31, 2020