Joyce Cecele Wood Dillman, 92

Joyce Cecele Wood Dillman, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away Friday, June 29, 2018, from causes incident to age. She was 92. Joyce was born in Snohomish, Wash., on Feb. 8, 1926, to Alexander and Tena Wood. She had five sisters: Elsie (Ogland), Colleen (Hough), Wanda (Morrison), Geraldine and Karen (Haws). She married Laurie Ellsworth Dillman on Oct. 1, 1951, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Joyce was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Jean Luthi, in 1999. She is survived by her husband, Laurie; two sons, Jim (Debby) of Hayden, Idaho, and Rob (Jamie) of Cedar Hills, Utah, and son-in-law, Frank Luthi, of Murray, Utah. She had 11 wonderful grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Joyce graduated from Brigham Young University in 1950 and began teaching school as a physical education teacher in Tooele, Utah. Following Laurie’s graduation from BYU and commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, they enjoyed over 20 years in the military, residing in such places as Texas, Florida, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, Kansas and England. During their time in Puerto Rico, Joyce became an avid scuba diver and golfer.

Upon retirement from the military in 1975, the family settled in North Idaho, where Joyce was a frequent substitute teacher in the Coeur d’Alene and Lakeland School Districts. She was known in her community for her expertise in gardening, her love of music and her commitment to fitness — being an early-morning regular at Peak Fitness for many years until just weeks before her passing.

Joyce was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1986, she served a full-time mission with her husband, Laurie, to the Washington, D.C., Temple Visitors Center, and later served a second mission in the Spokane LDS Employment Center. Together they served for 25 years as temple ordinance workers, Laurie being a sealer in the Spokane Temple since its dedication in 1999.

Joyce will be remembered for her limitless energy and positive attitude. She leaves a legacy of commitment to her faith, zest for life and love for her family.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at the Yates Funeral Home in Hayden. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018, in the Hayden LDS Chapel, 477 E. Honeysuckle Ave., Hayden. A brief viewing for family and friends will precede the funeral services from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Burial will be at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Joyce’s memorial and sign her online guest book www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.