Neoma "Joyce" Wyman

Neoma Joyce Wyman

Neoma "Joyce" Wyman peacefully went to Heaven on the first day of summer, June 21, 2011, following a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She is greatly missed by those who respected and loved her.
With members of her family and close friends; as well as her dogs, Kelly and Kaci, by her side; her last days were spent in her home in Everett, WA, where she had lived since 2004. She was surrounded by roses. Yellow and Sterling Silver roses were her favorites.
Born in Snyder, NE, on June 2, 1924, Joyce was the eldest of three children born to Violet Marie Kleeman (nee` Kienbaum) and Perry Oliver Kleeman. She spent her early years on the family farm. In high school, Joyce was athletic as well as an excellent student with exquisite penmanship. In her senior year, she won an academic scholarship to the University of Nebraska but was unable to attend when her family moved to California in 1942 due to WWII.
Joyce led an inspirational life and was strong-willed. She lived life on her own terms. Her 87 years were full of personal and professional accomplishments as a wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and community leader. She raised her children with a firm hand and a caring heart. Joyce had the ability to light up a room with her presence and smile. A model in her 20's and 30's, she turned heads all her life with her poise and stylish dress.
Joyce was a perfectionist who always gave more than 100% in any endeavor she pursued. She enjoyed social and competitive bridge, golf, and traveling. She was also a member of the "NightCaps" dance group in Salinas, CA since 1961.
Joyce shared a life-long interest in horses with her family. She was a member of the California Horseman's Association and was a breeder and shower of Arabian horses in the United States and Western Canada. An avid and competitive horsewoman, Joyce dominated the US National AO (Amateur Owner) Driving Championships with BRA Quintara (Mikado X Quintina) for three years in 1989, 1990, and 1992 as well as winning the Canadian National AO Driving Championship in 1991. She currently holds the record for the total number of championships won in this division.
She will be remembered as a gracious hostess who enjoyed good champagne, and who had a special gift for making people feel at ease. Joyce had a passion for cooking gourmet meals with her copper pans and preparing special treats like Mango Chutney and Red Velvet Cake for her family and friends. Her grandchildren fondly recall her pancakes with lots of butter and her waffles with homemade whipping cream, fresh fruit and jams.
Christmas was her favorite holiday. Several days were spent decorating her home with peach poinsettias and at least three trees - one covered with silver and pink ornaments. During the holiday season, she enjoyed entertaining with her late husband, Phillips Wyman Jr.
She spent hours preparing for gatherings by making homemade cookies and fudge, as well as her special cheese ball, artichoke nibbles, and warm cheese pennies.
Joyce felt strongly that "It is your duty to support and give back to your community." Living her Christian faith, she gave generously of her time to many civic organizations that improved the lives of others. She was an organizer and volunteer for Meals on Wheels and served on many community boards in Salinas. She was also a life member of the Chapter of California Order of the Eastern Star, which she joined in 1953.
Joyce was a founder and board member, including president, of "Door to Hope" a non-profit alcohol treatment center for women in Salinas, CA from 1972-1981, helping women reach sobriety and get back on their feet.
Joyce was a respected business woman and role model. She was part owner of Salinas Valley Radio, which she and her husband built together over two decades, eventually selling the business in 1984 and retiring to Tubac, AZ. As a business owner, she was a life-time member of Soroptimist International, joining in 1966. She served as president of this service organization, donating her time and energy.
In 1974, she was also elected to the Board of Directors of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. She became the board's first woman president. In recognition of her many years of service to the hospital, "The Joyce Wyman Outpatient Surgery Center" was dedicated in her honor on August 15, 1986 as she guided the growth of the hospital in the best interests of its patients and the citizens of the Salinas, CA area.
Even in her retirement, Joyce continued her philanthropic pursuits. In 2002, seeing a need for a health care facility in her growing community, she aided in helping to secure funding and personnel to build and open the Tubac Regional Health Center.
She is survived by her daughter Linda Joyce Dennis (Paul) Everett, WA; her children by marriage Lyn Wyman (Dennis Dow), Michael Sutton Wyman (Carolina Rosales), Phillips Wyman III (Leslie), CA; and god-daughter, Robin Rachel Fradin (nee Kienbaum) and husband Scott, Dallas, TX: her grandchildren Amanda Dennis Abbinanti (TJ), Annie Dow, Molly Dow, Andrea Hellebuyck, Ariana Hellebuyck, Jason Phillips Wyman, Marian Katharine Wyman and Spencer Tynan Wyman. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Lloyd of Grand Coulee, WA, and her sister-in-law, Jane Kleeman, of San Clemente, CA.
She was preceded in death by her three husbands, 2nd Lt. AAF. Harley Burniss Goetz (1945), Col. USAF Samuel Lamar Castleberry (1955) and Phillips Wyman Jr. (2004); her brother James Perry "Jim" Kleeman (2005); and a daughter by marriage, Dee-Dee Wyman (1977).
There will be a "Celebration of Life" party honoring Joyce. According to their wishes, Joyce's ashes will be scattered with those of her late husband Phillips Wyman Jr.
Donations, in lieu of flowers may be sent to: Providence Hospice and Homecare, 2731 Wetmore Ave. Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201(425) 261-4780; St. Andrews Episcopal Church 969 W. Country Club Dr. Nogales, AZ 85621 c/o Endowment Fund, or Door to Hope, 130 W. Gabilan Street, Salinas, CA 93901 Tel. (831) 758-0181 Fax. (831) 758-5127