Joyce M. Mowan Rollins of Richland, Wash. died on March 31, 2020 at Life Care Center of Richland at the age of 82.
She was born on April 14, 1937 in Poplar, Minn. to Alva and Irene Mowan.
Her family moved to Hermiston when she was 5. At age 18 she met the love of her life, Ray Rollins. They married in 1955 and had three children. Because of career opportunities and advancement, they had the opportunity to live in several different places where Joyce, along with her joyful personality and love for others, easily made friends and left behind memories of her unforgettable laughter, hands that loved helping those who were down, a forgiving heart, and a smile that would make others smile. Ray and Joyce divorced in 1987 but remained friends.
Family reunions were one of her greatest joys. She was with the ones she loved and fit right in with her “giggle sisters,” mom and aunts. She loved her Lord, music, dancing, playing cards, bingo and bowling, and was known to pull those one-arm bandits at the casino and wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions. You always knew where you stood with her.
She is survived by children, DuRae Reece and spouse Peter, Denise Brown, and Allen Rollins and spouse Renate; sister, Gail Perry and spouse Ron; her former spouse, Ray Rollins; four grandchildren, Ray Brown, Elizabeth Denker, Alisha Rayban and Anneliese Larsen; 14 great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews and her dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Alva A. Mowan; mother, Irene R. Mowan; sister, Donna Lee Mowan; and brother, Dale D. Mowan.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Joyce lived at Guardian Angel Homes in Richland, Wash. the past four years, where she was blessed with loving and nurturing caregivers whom she loved dearly. We appreciate all who worked with Joyce and made her life there feel like “home.”
Thank you to the staff at Richland Life Care who gave their all to Mom these past few weeks.
Please share memories of Joyce with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
