Joyce Marlyn Bigham

JOYCE MARLYN BIGHAM Beloved Partner, Mother, Grandmother, Granddaughter, Friend AUG 28, 1939 - FEB 20, 2009 Joyce Bigham was born in Burlington Junction, Missouri. She passed away in her sleep at the Community Hospice Hospital in Hughson, CA with her family by her side. From the moment Joyce entered this earth, to the day she left us, she lived her life to the fullest, gracing those around her with her infectious personality and beautiful smile. Joyce story begins with her being raised by her grandparents for the first five years of her life, long before it was common, and then between divorced parents. The independent girl that was moved around as a child put down her roots in 1960 when she married Dale Bigham and had their son, Donald. In 1968 the family moved to Los Banos. Joyce's career started in Los Banos with her youthful passion to become a cosmetologist. Her career took on new meaning when she started working for the Merced County Health Department helping others. She would retire from the California Department of Fish and Game where she would be recognized by the State for introducing and writing the Wing Beat magazine and introducing the Jr. Pheasant Hunt for the Department. In 1999, eleven years after the death of Dale Bigham, Joyce became the devoted partner of her long-time friend Donald Belden. He would become her late-in-life companion and soul-mate. In reflection of her life, Joyce would say that she lived a wonderful, fulfilled life.'' She loved to fish, travel, water paint and feed her tortoises. She belonged to the Eastern Star, the Golden Agers and the New Bethany Guild. She enjoyed bowling, volunteering and reaching out to the less fortunate. This compassionate woman helped anyone in need, shearing all that she had. She is survived by her devoted partner, Donald Belden, a loving son, Donald Bigham and his wife Anna, and two grandchildren, Cassandra and David Bigham. She leaves her grandfather, Arthur Roger. Extended family members are Ken and Bobbie Belden of San Diego, She leaves many friends. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, March 2, at St. Johns. Lutheran Church, 250 W Adams, Los Banos, CA at 10:30. Please plan to share your memories of this special day. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations in Joyce's name to the Alexander Cohen Community Hospice Hospital, 2201 Euclid Ave., Hughson, CA, 95326, or New Bethany, 1441 Berkley Dr, Los Banos, CA 93635.www.modbee.com/obituaries