Joyce Underwood

Arlene Joyce Underwood, known to us as Joyce, was born on August 18, 1934. She passed away on October 30, 2023, at the age of 89.

Joyce was born in Casper, Wyoming to Samuel and Ethel Underwood. She was the 6th of 13 children. The last baby girl was stillborn. She grew up in Casper and went to school there. She was a happy child, even when times were tough. She loved her folks very much and had such a love for her siblings. Her folks and six of her youngest siblings moved to Natrona, Wyoming. Her Dad’s employer at the Soda Mines, let them live there. It was a two-room shack. It was 30 miles from Casper, but that never deterred Joyce from going out there, to be with her family. Joyce gave up a lot of her dreams, of being a teacher, she never married or had a family of her own. She did so much to help her folks and siblings. There was no high school out at Natrona, so Joyce rented a place in Casper, for her siblings to come and live so they could attend high school. Eventually, she also helped her folks move to Casper. She cared for her parents until their deaths.

Joyce worked at various jobs. At an early age, she worked for $15 a week at the dime store. She worked at the Troy Laundry for many years. In 1976 she went to work at Eaton’s Ranch, outside of Sheridan Wyoming. There she met her lifelong friend Kim Madden. Eventually, she moved to Sheridan, Wyoming. She worked as a custodian in the school system, and also in the police department. She loved to go fishing and loved her garden and flowers. She loved all her many little dogs and she loved the beautiful hummingbirds. She was a strong-willed woman. She was proud and determined to live life on her terms. She was determined to pay her way and to have a good name.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Ethel Underwood, and most of her siblings. Norma Hauser, Edith Lowery, Evelyn Franklin, Doris Caves, Glen Underwood, Elmer Underwood, and Sam Underwood.

She is survived by 4 remaining siblings. Don Underwood, Lynne Taylor, Jim Underwood, and Carol VanBuskirk, as well as many nephews and nieces, whom she loved and who loved her very much. We will miss you…….. our Dear Sister, our Beloved Aunt and Friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sheridan Wyoming at Kane Funeral Home on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 11:00 am.- 2:00 pm with Graveside Services at 2:00 pm.

If you are unable to attend please join the family VIA Zoom.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82932667268?pwd=84mgaiadnMBE6tIJPmOh7p0XWZjwbM.1

Passcode: 188068

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.