Joyce E. Presby

Joyce (Jo or Joy) E. Presby. A long time Moscow resident was ready and looking forward to being reunited with her loved ones when she passed away October 28, 2025 at Aspen Park of Cascadia Moscow Idaho. She was 84.

She was born January 1, 1941 at Gritman Hospital in Moscow to Curtis and Astrid Presby of Viola, ID. Joyce was raised on a farm northeast of Viola with her father, mother, brother and two sisters. She attended first grade and Palouse and had to walk a mile each day to catch the school bus while attending second through 12th grade in Moscow. She graduated in May 1959 from Moscow High School.

Two weeks after graduating, Joyce moved to Moscow and started her career at the /University of Idaho. She worked in various departments starting as a secretary and moving into administration secretary/administrative assistant positions. She spent the majority of her career in the College of Agriculture department. During your time with the U of I she received multiple awards, she received the outstanding employee award in 1985, the Meritorious Award for 40 years of service and a certification of recognition from governor Kemphorn in 1999 for the 40 years and 4 months of service to the U of I when she retired.

Joyce was a lifetime member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, (ESA) a philanthropic sorority for 62+ years. She held all offices at the local, district and state levels several times. She was very proud of our time. Spent ESA. The special friendships she made in the fun time she shared with her sorority sisters always held a special place in her life.

Joyce enjoyed her travels, exploring many areas of Idaho. She particularly enjoyed her yearly trip to Jackpot, Wendover and Reno with her beloved sister, Phyllis. These were memorable trips, and even though they never got rich at the casinos, they always cherish the time they were able to spend together.

Joyce was proud and independent woman who didn't like asking for help, but was always grateful when it was offered. She always amazed us with the things that she did by herself, like shoveling snow off roof into her 70s!

Along with sweet tooth and a love of chocolate, she had many activities she enjoyed as well. Watching her Mariners and the Seahawks were always a priority. She loved playing pinochle with family and friends and love to gamble, play bingo, crochet, cross stitch, and work in her yard.

Joyce was supporter of Easter Seals, the American Heart Association in her local fire department. She was also a member of AARP and PETA.

Joy survived by 12 nephews and nieces and other families, and aunt Jean Hein of Spokane and a sister-in-law Catherine Presby, of Lewiston.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Curtis and Astrid Presby, her brother, Richard Presby, and her sisters, Bae Thornton, and Phyllis Presby.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, November 7, 2025 at Shorts Funeral Chapel in Moscow. She will be laid the rest and Viola Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to the charity of their choice.