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BORN
1967
DIED
2018
Joy Wiebe Obituary
Joy R. Wiebe, born Dec. 23, 1967, in Prescott, Arizona. A 25-plus year Alaskan, who truly lived up to her name … Joy: delight or great happiness. She had the gift of gab and could make friends with anyone! Whoever she was talking to truly felt like they were an instant friend.
Aug. 24, 2018, was the saddest, most devastating day of our lives. Sharing her greatness with those that did not know her is difficult because she was too amazing to verbalize. Our wife, mom, daughter, aunt … our hero, left us too early. Described by her parents as a loyal, trustworthy, adventurous daughter. Always on the go, one time when she was just one year old, she placed the car in gear and took off down the road, only to be stopped by her frightened mother who went after her.
An avid learner, she asked her parents if she could learn to read, beginning her early start to kindergarten. This desire to learn only grew, she was the most curious and wise woman, always sharing newly learned knowledge.
She was, among many other great things, a truck driver on the North Slope in Alaska. Truly a legend on the haul road also known as the "Ice Road." This is the place that took her life. You would have never met a more loving, caring, courageous person. A small woman in stature, but an enormous personality. She was a true adventurer, horseback rider and much more, the hardest worker we have ever known. To us she was a "trucker, Alaska, mother, wife, musher, and a horse, mule and dog lover." She was so beyond the best. We can't put into words how much she meant to us nor can we express how absolutely sad we are - we miss you Joy. Us kids will live for you and do all we can to make you proud. We will eat our veggies and never forget to help one another. You will forever be in our heart, our soul and will eternally be a part of us. The deep, heavy, overwhelming sadness we feel is because of all the love we have for you. We promise to think of you every day and remember all you taught us.
To see the world through Joy's eyes, check out her adventures on Instagram - @AlaskaMotherTrucker
She was born in Prescott, Arizona to James and Betty Pehl. She married Gregory Wiebe on June 6, 1997 ,in Fairbanks at the chapel in Alaskaland. She served in the Navy and National Guard.
She is survived by her husband Gregory Wiebe, of Fairbanks; parents James and Betty Pehl, of Fairbanks; daughter Christine, of Fairbanks; sons Levi, of Fairbanks (daughter in law Alexandra) and Matthew, of Honolulu (daughter in law Remi); multiple extended family, adopted family and friends … too many people to list.
Preceded in death by her brother Clifford "Lee" Pehl.
The memorial service will be held Sept. 2 from 2-5 p.m. at Fairbanks Seventh-day Adventist Church on Farmers Loop. Potluck to follow. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joy Wiebe
Lisa Spiegel
August 4, 2024
I just read the book Mother Trucker after I bought when on a Alaskan Cruise. I went to a talk by author Amy Butcher. I am not a big reader but I could not out the book down. I cried so hard when I found out Joy died. I felt I got to know her in the book. I hope everyone that knew her understands how special her story is.
Lillian Elliott
June 28, 2024
cannot believe 6 years has passed since I heard the news few days before that my kindred spirit I had met at Fairbanks SDA church in July 2015 hear lost her life. I was devastated about the news and wanted to much to attend her service but it seemed it was to have those with her that knew her best on the road she knew . I have yet to forget the loss of Joy, and can say, it will be a glorious day to see her in the Earth made new that is getting closer each and every day. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Greg and her daughter. May God continue to bless you with wonderful memories until you see her again. Lillian Elliott, State of Maryland
Jeffrey Buxton
June 27, 2024
Sorry loss
Lillian Elliott
August 22, 2022
How I miss Joy. What an amazing Christian who loved the Lord and life. The times in which we are living proves Jesus is soon to come. What a wonderful day when Joy is raised from the grave and hugs real bring great joy to her and me. l
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October 12, 2020
I may not have known her as long as I wish I could have, but Joy will always be a Joy to me.
Jacob Cline
September 21, 2020
I realized I should have included a photo of me working in Alaska. My heart goes out to Joy's family!
Jacob Cline
September 21, 2020
I realized that on my previous memory I misspelled Carlile. And the crib she gave me was probably one by one of her grandchildren. I also recalled a funny story about when she was working. At her stops, she always run around doing what needed done since she spent so much time sitting in the truck. When attendants at the pump station she was at witnessed her running, they too ran. She cleared the entire pump station. Unbeknownst to her was that a week or two prior, a pump station burned to the ground so when they saw her running, they ran thinking something was wrong. After hearing her excuse for running, everyone got a big laugh!
Lillian Elliott
August 22, 2020
Miss my precious kindred spirit, Joy. Jesus is coming soon. Can't wait to give hugs and laugh out loud again with her.
Will never forget my kindred spirit, Joy
Lilllian Elliott
August 22, 2019
There are not enough words to express my love and friendship for my kindred spirit, Joy. Our time together when we first met at Fairbanks SDA church in July 2015 to the time we spent traveling together to Prudoe Bay in her truck was more than I could have ever imagined. We laughed, we learned so much of how we had so much in common through health, nature, and the love for being outdoors and especially her love for her animals as I. Joy will always live within my heart. Can't wait to see her again when the Lord comes and hope that will be soon. Much love always to her family.
Lilllian Elliott
August 22, 2019
Will never forget my Kindred spirit Joy. From the moment we met at Fairbanks SDA church thru our journey together to Prudoe Bay and the many stories she shard about her experiences and the opportunity to see so much beautiful nature and animals is and was a blessing from God. Can't wait to see her again in the earth made new where we can laugh together. Love you much always,
Hadahra Ben-Israel
December 31, 2018
Thinking of you often Joy. This feels so weird. One minute you're here and one minute you're gone. Hard to keep up. Miss getting to know you better. What a dear sweet woman. I want to cuss. Sorry. See you when it's my turn...I hope. Softest hugggs.
We were so sorry to hear about Joy, she really was a courageous woman. Rod remembers working with Joy at Fort Knox, and seeing her out on the Hi-way w
Rod and Dawn Sofich
October 22, 2018
We were so sorry to hear about Joy, she really was a courageous woman. Rod remembers working with Joy at Fort Knox, and seeing her out on the Hi-way when she moved on to drive a freight truck. The world has lost a good soul. Our condolences to her family.
Rod & Dawn Sofich
Alaska spirit forever
Oliver Hedgepeth
September 10, 2018
Ride on Heaven's highway
Teresa Norton
September 2, 2018
Teresa Norton (Hilltop) I will miss her smile and her asking for berries for the ride. An animal lover just like me. My love and prayers go to her family.
September 2, 2018
My name is Lillian Elliott and I met Joy at Fairbanks Seventh-day Adventist Church in early July 2015 just after arriving in Alaska with my husband, from traveling from Maryland. My heart has been ripped into to get a message left on my cell phone from my daughter in Colorado that a relative in Alaska told her that she thought this was the wonderful lady I had met and was able to go to Prudoe Bay with, a drive I longed to take on the Dalton Highway for months while planning our trip to Alaska. Since then we have stayed in touch and were "kindred spirits" as we called ourselves just after meeting and traveling together. She was a wonderful Christian person, a special person in my heart and the memories we made during that short time and over the past several years will never fade. My heart is so sad for Joy and her family. What an amazing person that I can't wait to see and hug in the earth made new.
God bless each and every family member, Greg and Christine and all family members.
September 1, 2018
My wife and I met Joy Wiebe briefly in 2009 to buy a Toyota pickup truck from her.
She instantly proved to be a wonderful person, memorable, spirited, and full of ...her namesake: joy.
In the years since 2009, we have heard more stories, legends about how greatly
Joy figured in other people's lives.
We thank Joy's family for sharing this wonderful person with us, as she inspires us to try to be like her.
Dave & Carol Norton
Ashley Swibold
August 31, 2018
Joy left an impression... She was a regular at my place of work (Dateline Printing) and she stood out as an amazing person. She was just so kind and friendly... The world was lucky to have her. I'm so shocked and sad that I won't get to chat with her anymore.
Love and Sympathy to her family, she was an exceptional person!
Dateline Digital Printing
August 31, 2018
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Joy was a pleasure to work with and we enjoyed her visits. She was always smiling and never hesitated to share her stories with us.
She will be missed.
Shirley Burns
August 31, 2018
Greg and family - I am so sorry for your loss. This is a great photo and shows what a beautiful lady she was - sounds like she was beautiful inside and out. There are no words that will make this easier for you and the family. I'm glad Maggie is there with you. Hang on to your family close and don't miss a day making each of them know how much you love them. Hang in there!
jeff & Jan Bergman,
August 31, 2018
Joy - you will be missed by all of your family and friends.
Michelle Charlton
August 30, 2018
I'll never forget first meeting Joy in person at the Alaska Legislative office when we were there testifying many years ago. I had heard her voice on the CB many times before then while also working on the Dalton. I am glad I got to chat with her a couple weeks ago, the last time I was up north. She thanked my little tour van for getting out of her way, which our vans customarily do for truckers on the road. She knows that we do this, but she still was so enthusiastic with gratitude.. it was really sweet. She was known for being one of the safest drivers and it still shocks me that this road took her from us. I will think of her every time I'm on the Dalton from now on...
Hadahra Ben-Israel
August 30, 2018
Huge tears. Joy I am so sorry. What a truly gentle person you were. I just hate that your young life is done. I was going to ride with you someday. Joy please know that when I saw you at your church I knew you were special. I just cant believe you're not going to be there anymore. If you do show up in spirit please cause the wind to blow the pastors hair around. Smile Didn't know you well...but miss you already. Love Hadara
Debra Stephens
August 30, 2018
My heart goes out to her family .joy you will me missed love you .rest in peace my Friend
Cat Pinard
August 29, 2018
One of those people that you meet briefly but will never forget. I feel very privileged to have had the chance to meet her. Yes, she truly lived up to her name, and brought joy to others. She was inspiring, caring, respected by all, and an absolute adventurer. Our only small consolation is to know that she died doing something she truly enjoyed. She is a true Dalton hero. I hardly knew you Joy, but miss you already.
Jason Miller (knight)
August 29, 2018
I knew Joy when I worked for Alaska West. She is truly one of a kind and she has and alway will have a place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathies to her family. May you rest easy and in peace. With love Jason and Vicki
Felix-Antoine Tremblay
August 29, 2018
I met Joy twice on the Dalton highway as I was cycling to Deadhorse. Her smile will forever remain etched in my memory. My condolences to the family and may he rest in peace,
Kate Marshall
August 29, 2018
May the Lord comfort the family in this incredibly sad time. She truly was pure Joy. ~Kate
Mike Prax
August 29, 2018
I had the pleasure of meeting Joy when she delivered fuel to Pump Station 7. Her enthusiasm was infectious.
Lisa Kelly
August 29, 2018
I'm gonna miss her. She truly lived up to her name and brought joy to everyone she met. She was taken too early
Tracy King
August 29, 2018
I did not personally know Joy. I have been apart of the trucking community for 40 years and I can personally say that there has never been a more respected fellow driver than Joy. My heart breaks for her family and friends. Loss is never easily understood as it floods with many emotions. But one thing is for sure she will never be forgotten ♥ My husband had the highest respect for Joy, as did everyone who knew her I'm sure. May peace be with you. Much Love from The King Family ♥
Casey King
August 28, 2018
Joy was not just a truck driver. She was one of the very best. Her warming smile and outgoing personality will be truly missed
Robert Dalglish
August 28, 2018
God bless, A lose of a Alaskan, our family as we are proud to be called. To the family and friends, my condolences and support, From a Alaskan too, Safe travels
Melissa Pioneer
August 28, 2018
With deepest sympathy on loss of your love one. May it bring comfort you to know that she will return to the days of her youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
Steven Bennett
August 28, 2018
Joy you are amazing and wonderful lady...thanks for taking interest in honey bees... you loved the challenge with no fear... we all will miss your awesome smile and laughter... GOD bless you and your family....
August 28, 2018
We love you Joy!
August 28, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. Losing a loved one in death can bring great pain and sorrow. May God's words in Psalm 18:2 give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. RR
Linda Edwards
August 28, 2018
Joy and I were cousins, but we have lived so far apart for so many years. She has family in Arizona who have very heavy hearts today. God bless her entire family , and fill our hearts with his peace. We love you Joy
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