Joyce P. Magnuson

Naselle resident Joyce P. Magnuson, 85, died June 5, 2012 in Longview, WA. The daughter of Harry and Laura (Harris) Kimball, she was born in Badourn Township, Minnesota on December 26, 1926. Joyce resided in Minnesota until a teenager when she moved to Grays River, Washington where she grew to adulthood and lived with her grandmother Kimball.

On November 17, 1945 she married Howard Magnuson in Skamokawa. Their first home was in Catardi, where Joyce worked in local salmon canneries and was a wife, mother and homemaker. She later resided in Grays River before moving to Naselle 21 years ago.

Proud to have been a graduate of Astoria Beauty School and a licensed beautician, she operated her own business, Joyce’s Hair Shop, in Grays River for a number of years. She also worked at area canneries and restaurants in various capacities over the years. In past years, Joyce attended and taught Sunday School at Grays River Methodist Church, and her family was instrumental in the founding of the Valley Bible Church in Rosburg.

Like her husband Howard, Joyce was very patriotic and was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Disabled American Veterans, Longview Post. Joyce always enjoyed shopping trips and throughout her life took great pride in her physical appearance. She was an avid bowler at leagues in both Ilwaco and Longview, seldom passed up a chance to play bingo or pinochle, looked forward to deer season, and in past years was a Cub Scout den mother. She was an avid walker who participated for many years in the annual Columbia River Crossing, winning numerous awards in her age category. Christmas was a special event in her household and she planned months in advance the decorating, food and gifts. For the past three years she and her companion Mike Milord served as Oregon State park hosts which she greatly enjoyed. Known for her crocheting and craft skills, she was a frequent participant in the Wahkiakum County Fair. “Promptness wasn’t one of mom’s strong points” her family recalls but she was a special lady, devoted to her family, friends and community. She never met anyone without leaving a lasting impression on them.

Joyce is survived by daughters Debra (Mark) Agee of Naselle and Delaura (Bruce) Wirkkala of Longview; sons Doug (Sharon) Magnuson of Kalama, and Don (Dee) Magnuson of Naselle; brothers Ron Kimball of Clear Brooke, Minnesota; sister Darlene Kapron of Longview; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard and brother Claude Kimball.

Funeral service was held June 13, 2012 at Valley Bible Church, in Rosburg. Guestbook is available at http://www.penttilaschapel.com.