Joyce went home to be with her Savior on Feb. 10, 2025. She was 98 years old. Joyce was born Feb. 1, 1927, in Fargo, N.D., to Lloyd and Kathryn Mylan. She was the oldest of four children. The family settled in Coeur d’Alene in the early 1940s. She loved the town and always considered it her home. She graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) High School in Coeur d’Alene in 1945 and completed her education at Holy Names College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts. She later returned to receive her teaching certificate from Gonzaga University.  

Joyce married George Peters in 1950 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. While they did experience happy times and had four children together, they eventually divorced in 1962. She married George Borges in 1967, and they had a son together. Joyce married her husband, Lee Knowles, in 1973. They were married for almost 40 years. Lee brought stability to Joyce’s life. He also brought his four children, whom Joyce loved like her own. Together, they had nine children, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren (so far).

For many years, Joyce provided for her family by teaching in Post Falls, Reno, and Hayden. Her hard work and determination assured that her children had everything they needed, amazingly, even including a private education at the Catholic schools in Coeur d’Alene.  

Joyce loved to have fun.  Each of her children has memories of going to the beach, celebrating holidays, and singing together on road trips. Joyce loved to sing and go dancing. While living at Brookdale, she could be heard singing along with Alexa every day. If there was ever an opportunity to sing, she’d be there (belting it out).

Joyce had a zest for life that was evident in her many passions and interests. She was a talented artist, enjoyed genealogy, and was a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames. She also followed politics and was an active member of the Kootenai County Republican Party. She enjoyed people and had boundless energy for most of her life. She owned and operated a local bed and breakfast, Katie’s Wild Rose Inn, well into her 70s.  

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her parents; siblings; son Ike; and stepson Karl. She is survived by her daughters, Lori Blessing (Bob), Suzanne Green, Angi Shamblin (Patrick), Val Farrington (Dan) and Denise Gordon (David); and her sons, James Knowles and Patrick Knowles (Sharon) and their children and grandchildren; as well numerous nieces and nephews. She leaves a legacy of hard work and keeping a positive attitude no matter what life threw her way.  

Her family wishes to thank Linda Davis, her longtime caregiver, and the staff at Brookdale, where she spent her final few years. Each of you was a blessing to Mom and made her life as good as it could be.  

Joyce’s memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel — 744 N. Fourth St. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814. Please visit Joyce’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

    Knowles