Joyce Jewel (Portrey) Soderberg passed away peacefully in her home May 8, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born Oct. 27, 1926, in Tulsa, Okla., to Pence Portrey and Rebecca (Yell) Portrey. The family moved from Canon City, Colo., to Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho, then to Spokane, Wash., where Joyce attended and graduated from North Central High School. She volunteered with the USO during World War II, where she met her husband of 18 years, Stanley A. Soderberg. The couple relocated to southern California where their three children were born and raised. Joyce had a successful career in the restaurant business, starting as a waitress and subsequently being promoted to high-level management.

After retiring from the food service industry, Joyce returned to North Idaho, living in Hayden and Coeur d’Alene. There she ran an antiques and collectibles shop and wrote children’s books. She is predeceased by her parents, sisters Ophelia, Eunice, Mildred, Hester and Glora Deane, brothers Rowland, Clyde, Glenn and Boyce, and daughter Linda Scott (John). She is survived by sons Lonnie and Rick (Virginia), four grandchildren, Brian Scott, Dana Scott, Rachel Soderberg and Becca Soderberg, and three great-grandchildren.

There will be no funeral at her request. A graveside service will be held in Paradise Valley Cemetery in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho, on June 28. The family would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho for their care and assistance during her final days.