Joyce Yvonne Craig

1937 - 2026

Joyce Yvonne Craig

April 5, 1937 - March 12, 2026

Joyce Yvonne Craig (88) passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026.

Joyce was born in Jerome at home on April 5, 1937, to Elmer & Bertha Ward Skiver. She spent her early years growing up on a farm. She attended Canyonside Rural School and graduated from Jerome High School in 1955.

Joyce married LeRoy Craig on April 15, 1955 (it wasn't Tax Day then). They moved to El Paso, Texas in 1955, where LeRoy was stationed in the Army. Even though it was unusual for Army wives to have jobs at that time, she was hired by American Airlines as a reservation agent. Her job entailed processing all reservations by hand, as there were no computers. Airlines used long line phones for booking reservations, teletype, and visual availability boards. She loved the experience of this job and hated to leave after LeRoy was discharged from the Army in 1957. They made the decision to return to Idaho, where LeRoy continued working for Heiss Investments (which later became Prescott & Craig Insurance).

Joyce's favorite teacher growing up was Miss Ferrell, who eventually became a missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was Miss Ferrell who inspired Joyce's love of other cultures. Because of the sacrifice Joyce made to leave her "dream job," LeRoy promised they would travel. He made good on that promise as they traveled to over 31 countries (some countries multiple times). The biggest takeaway from their travels around the world was seeing the sights and experiencing different cultures. But the most important part of travel to them was meeting the people. They had lifelong relationships with people they met on their international trips.

Joyce assisted LeRoy with the Insurance Agency throughout the years, and she also worked briefly at the Jerome Eye Center and in outside sales for Magic Carpet Travels. She was active in the community where she served as Jerome President, District Vice-President, and State President for Jaycettes. She was also a member of the first Regional Mental Health Board and the Snake River Symposium. Joyce was involved in several local election campaigns, statewide elections, and served on the Election Board.

Joyce's favorite "role" was Mom to her 5 children (Jody, Brad, JuLee, Bryan, and Barrett) and 2 daughters-in-law (Autumn and Rachel) and Ma to her 23 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was the ultimate "Uber Driver" and Tour Director. Joyce took her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on wonderful adventures across Idaho, to other U.S. States, and even to Canada and Mexico, sometimes with both grandmas in tow. She would pack up the station wagon with luggage on top and away we went!

As a family, we hiked on trails to the top of the Sawtooth Mountains, slept underthe stars, and watched satellites shoot across the sky. Mom (Ma) was teacher and historian as she introduced us to the story behind the places we visited. Meals together were memorable not only because of the delicious and lovingly prepared food, but also because mealtimes were special times for our family to gather. As we ate, we would talk about how our day went. Meals at our house weren't simple nutrition, they were an event! Mom was famous for her apple pie and Christmas cookies (sugar and gingerbread).

Education was important to both Joyce and LeRoy. After the passing of their son Brad in 1979, they established a scholarship at the College of Southern Idaho in his name. They wanted to ensure that others could receive a college education. They also enjoyed supporting the Golden Eagles and attending various events on campus.

Joyce read encyclopedias like novels, and you never wanted to play against her in Trivial Pursuit. In the days before Google when we asked a difficult question, Mom would say "Go look it up in the encyclopedia and then come back and tell me what you learned."

Her investment in our lives helped shape us into the people we are today. We are grateful, humbled, and blessed to have a mom who cared so deeply for her family.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husband; two children; a son-in-law; one granddaughter; and two grandsons.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral.

Visitation with the family will be held at 6:15 pm until 8:15 pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome. There will be a family graveside service at a later time.

If you would like to honor Joyce, the family suggests memorial contributions to the CSI Foundation for the LeRoy Craig Jerome Center or the LeRoy and Joyce Craig Scholarship.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Joyce's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.