Joyce O'Neal

Joyce Mary O'Neal (McClellan) died on December 31, 2014 at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia. Joyce was born on March 29, 1930 in Olympia to Earl and Marion McClellan. She was raised in Bremerton and graduated from West High. She attended Central Washington State College where she met Larry O'Neal. They married in 1951 and settled in the Seattle area. They had four children and eventually moved to Des Moines, where they lived for 28 years.

Joyce was an active member of the PTA and the Federated Women's Club of Tacoma. She worked as a veterinary receptionist/assistant for many years and adored animals of all kinds. One of her favorite pastimes was enjoying the variety of animals and birds that visited her yard.

After retirement, Joyce and Larry moved to Cathlamet. There they enjoyed the small community life and many activities with grandchildren. Joy loved her family with all her heart, often sacrificing to help and take care of her children and grandchildren. In Cathlamet she was a member of the Cathlamet Woman's Club and the Pioneer Church Association.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Steve and Saundra O'Neal of Auburn, and Terry O'Neal of Marysville; her daughters, Lorri O'Neal of Renton, and Mindy and Mark Doumit of Tumwater; grandchildren Keith, Corey, Matt, Ben, David, LeaAnn, and Shannon; great grandchildren Kailin, Cassidy, Camden, Lexi and Layne; sister LuAnne Rosendale; brothers David and Gregg McClellan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and her parents.

A private memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on January 10 at Dowling Funeral Home in Cathlamet.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cathlamet Fire Department, First Aid Division, P.O. Box 142, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.