Joyce Johnson

1930 - 2022

Joyce E. Johnson (Wetherbee), passed away peacefully in Vancouver, WA at the age of 91 on March 6th, 2022.
Joyce was born November 1, 1930, in Fairmount, ND, the daughter of Donald and Mildred Wetherbee.
Upon graduation from high school, Joyce attended Concordia College, in Moorhead, MN. While there she was active in the concert band, made life-long friendships and met her college sweetheart, Ronald Q. (R.Q.) Johnson. Joyce graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in Education with an emphasis in Family Science and Biology.
Joyce and R.Q. were married in 1951 and they began their lives and teaching careers together in Bagley, MN where Joyce taught home economics and biology. It was there that they welcomed their first three children into the family. In 1966 they moved to Forest City, Iowa where she joined the biology staff at Waldorf College, and their youngest child was born.
In 1970, upon moving to Valley City, ND, Joyce joined the faculty at North Central High School where she taught home economics and biology. While working at NCHS, she was also a Field Representative for the North Dakota Teachers Association, representing teachers across the region. Continuing her education, Joyce earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Development from North Dakota State University in 1976. She was also an active member of P.E.O., an organization that celebrates the advancement of women in education. Recognizing the impact she had on her students and her dedication to her profession, she was named North Dakota Teacher of the Year in 1990.
She loved to entertain and did it with ease, creating memories for both family and friends. Her organizational skills were at work in golf leagues, bridge clubs, and couples' events in Valley City and Mesa.
Beginning in 1977, Joyce and R.Q. began 20 years of summer management positions with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) in Medora, ND where they were instrumental in the daily operations and special events.
Following her retirement from teaching, Joyce spent three years as the Director of Development for TRMF. She enjoyed connecting with founders, donors and creating opportunities to support the foundation she held close to her heart.
Retirement allowed Joyce to spend 20 years of warm winters in Mesa, AZ. She and R.Q. played golf, entertained, and built many friendships in Mesa Shadows. with Mesa Shadows friends. While there, Joyce and R.Q. had frequent visits from their family which brought everyone joy.
Joyce spent the last eight years living in Vancouver, WA to be close to her daughter Becky and family.
Joyce was active in her church. She helped organize children's programs and later supported the work of the church through volunteer efforts in services and events.
Joyce enjoyed golfing all through her married life and passed on her passion to her children and grandchildren. She was an active member in multiple golf leagues, traveled to tournaments, and never missed an opportunity to watch or attend golf events. One of her many highlights includes multiple trips to The Masters with R.Q. and close friends.
As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Joyce is survived by her brother, Jerry (Glenda) Wetherbee, sister-in-law, Mary Wetherbee; her children, Bonnie (Brian) Alton, Paul Johnson, and Rebecca (Terry) Kadrmas; her grandchildren Medora (Paul) Benson, Abigail, and Katherine Kadrmas; and her great-grandchildren Barrett, Bjorn, Brygg, and Kaia Benson; and nieces and nephews.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Mildred Wetherbee, her husband R.Q. Johnson, her sister Jean Wetherbee, her brother Robert Wetherbee, and her son Craig Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 11:00 o'clock at the Knutson Campus Center at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. The family asks that donations be made to PeaceHealth SW Medical Center Hospice, Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation, Bagley Junior Golf, or a charity of your choice.