Joyce Taylor Wahlman Tuttle

Joyce Rosemary Taylor Wahlman Tuttle
October 1921 - December 2024
Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Great Great Grandmother Joyce Tuttle, also known as "Granny Joyce," passed away peacefully at the age of 103 Years old on the afternoon of December 1, 2024, in the home of her daughter Therese and her son-in-law Kurt, in Wenatchee, Washington. Granny suffered from complications of leukemia for many years, yet she seldom complained and was always a joy to be around.
Joyce was born on October 23, 1921, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Rose Hayden and James M.F. Taylor. She grew up most of her young life in the Gravely Lake area of Tacoma, Washington. Joyce was the youngest of the four Taylor children and endured the divorce of her parents in her early years. She and her siblings were then raised by her mother and step-father, Tenor-Vocalist Hiram H. "Babe" Tuttle whom Joyce fondly called "Daddy Hi." Rose and Daddy Hi had a son, Allen, who was six years younger than Joyce; everyone referred to Allen as Sonny. She loved having a younger brother, especially now that he was the baby of the family. They were very close growing up and Joyce was greatly saddened when Sonny was lost in the Korean War. Sonny's remains were later identified through DNA in October 2022, which brought great joy and closure for Granny Joyce. Joyce would often speak of her wonderful childhood, in spite of moving many times and attending many different Catholic schools. She was always at the top of her class during the three years of high school she spent at Aquinas Academy. In her senior year of high school, she received the highest grade-point award from Holy Names Academy. Young Joyce also loved and excelled in tennis, receiving the Junior Tennis Champ Award of Tacoma.
Upon graduating, Joyce matriculated to Seattle University, majoring in Medical Technology. The untimely death of both her father and step-father in Joyce's sophomore year caused her to seek employment with Pacific National Bank. There she met the love of her life, Roger V. Wahlman. They were married in Reno, Nevada, in January 1944, when WWII was raging, and Roger was a Naval Aviator. During Roger's naval career, they enjoyed seeing many different parts of the country. While Roger was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, Roger Jr was born in April 1946. Roger Sr unfortunately contracted polio while in Florida and was medically retired from the military. He was paralyzed on his right side for two years but managed to recover. After graduating from Seattle University, they moved to Bellevue, Washington, in 1953 and raised their children. Joyce and Roger had nine children, but Michael J died in infancy as he was two months premature, and sweet Jennifer died on Christmas Eve of a flu virus when she was two months old.
Roger and Joyce divorced after 44 years of marriage. Years later, Joyce married Gen Hiram L Tuttle in August 1984. These latter years included a great time of traveling throughout the world. Gen Tuttle died in April 1999, and after several years Joyce moved in with her daughter Therese and son-in-law Kurt.
Granny Joyce is survived by her son Dr Roger V Wahlman, II, (Lynne), her son Mark A Wahlman, (Valerie), her son Peter B Wahlman, (Marcia), her daughter Therese W Hartsig, (Kurt), her son Thomas G Wahlman, (Kristen), her son Matthew B Wahlman, (Sheila) and 105 Grand, Great Grand, and Great-Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Anne.
The family is grateful to the loving care hospice provided Granny Joyce.
Granny Joyce will forever be remembered for her joy, kindness, love, and wonderful optimistic outlook on life. Being in her presence brought everyone much happiness and laughter. She was faithful to God and certainly lived a prayerful, blessed life. We miss you, Granny, especially your laugh! We love you; we are thankful for you, and you will remain extra special in all of our hearts.