Joyce Elmore Obituary
A lifelong resident of Felton, Joyce spent most of her 80 years in the heart of Felton, surrounded by the beauty of the San Lorenzo Valley and the company of her beloved family and friends. Her full and spirited life came to a sudden end on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in a car accident on Highway 9.
To many in town Joyce was a familiar and cherished presence, known for her involvement in local organizations, her love of the 49ers, her turquoise house, her friendly Basset Hounds, and the bright red VW bug she was often seen driving through town. Whether you met her through community events or just passed her on the street, she left a lasting impression.
She was born on April 16, 1945, to Maxine and E.H. "Granny" Gransbury, and grew up in a town growing quickly after WWII. Her parents ran a jewelry and watch repair shop. Joyce attended San Lorenzo Valley High School, where she was a majorette and shared many laughs and stories with friends. She attended Cabrillo College after high school and went back after her kids were grown to learn medical transcription.
Over the years, Joyce worked at Santa's Village, County Bank, her parents' store, and later co-ran Gransbury-Elmore Jewelers with her husband Mike. She supported Mike's Watch Shop, managed the website for his antique pocket watch business, worked in medical transcription, and devoted much of her time to caring for her children and grandchildren, something that brought her deep happiness and pride. She showed up for everything they did, from sports and school events to performances and celebrations, always cheering them on with love and enthusiasm.
She had a playful, creative spirit-playing on bowling and softball teams, crafting, and diving into a good mystery novel or podcast.
Joyce cared deeply about her town and the people in it. She gave her time and energy to many local groups and events, including the Felton Business Association, Felton Fire Auxiliary, San Lorenzo Valley Alumni Association, and as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader. She helped organize events such as the Felton Remembers Parade, Race Thru The Redwoods, golf tournaments, and class reunions. She attended and later worked at Henry Cowell Girl Scout Day Camp, a tradition that continued with her daughter and granddaughters. She was Felton's Woman of the Year in 1995 and grand marshal of the parade in 2003.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Meyer; son, Scott Elmore; son-in-law, Todd Meyer; granddaughters, Athena and Kate Meyer, Sammi and Jessi Elmore; and child-in-law, McKinzie Lothrop. She also leaves behind her much-loved cousins Judy McAlpin and Diane Hunt, along with her cousins' families. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Elmore in 2013; her parents; and her cousin, Linda Niizawa.
A celebration of Joyce's life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Felton Community Hall. Please join us to remember her, share stories, and celebrate a life full of love and service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to San Lorenzo Valley Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1405, Felton, CA 95018.
Published by Scotts Valley Press Banner from Oct. 2 to Oct. 24, 2025.