Joyce Ganje

Joyce Phyllis Ganje passed from this world to the next on October 26, 2011 at the age of 78 years young at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, just 10 days shy of her 79th birthday. Joyce hated birthdays so it was entirely appropriate for her to move on before the next one came to pass.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. MDT, Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte with Fr. Matthew Fallgren officiating. Burial followed in the United Eagle Butte Cemetery. Wake services was held at 7:30 p.m. MDT, Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the church with visitation one hour prior.

Joyce was a true Midwesterner from the day she was born until she took her last breath. She was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Mary and John Carter in 1932 as the fourth of 5 children. She spent part of her childhood in Iowa, and finally moved to Eagle Butte in 1946 where she had been a very proud member of the community for the last 65 years.

Joyce Carter married Frank Ganje in 1951 and they had one son Robert Francis in 1952, whom was so devoted to her and Joyce thought Robert to be the best of sons. She and her husband Frank opened Ganje Clothing and Coast to Coast Hardware store. And until Frank’s passing in 1998, she worked there every day. Robb gave Joyce 5 grandchildren, which Joyce, being a truly wonderful grandmother, cherished and spoiled ever since. Over the years, Joyce would become a great-grandmother 6 times over and was so very proud of each addition to her legacy.

One of Joyce’s favorite memories was of her trip of a lifetime to Rome. Buddy and Helen Neigel and Steve and Jean Shupick joined Joyce and Frank for this amazing trip in 1978. Joyce wasn't an avid traveler, but this trip was a dream come true for her. She spent time in Vatican City and saw the Pope in the Popemobile. She came back with many beautiful pictures and so many wonderful memories.

Being a member of the Eagle Butte community for 65 years, it is difficult to summarize her contributions… or even remember them all! Joyce was an organizer. She spent many years being deeply involved in Dakota Club, and loved being part of the CRST Labor Day Fair and Rodeo parade. She often entered a float for Coast to Coast, spent years as a judge and was grand marshal. She was an active member of the All Saints Catholic Church.

She played bridge with the Dakota Club, and later in her life, she organized games of Farkel with her friends. Joyce’s crochet work was much coveted by her grandkids as were her People magazines. She enjoyed reading novels, and watching her television programs. There wasn’t a cross-word puzzle that Joyce couldn’t solve and Sudoku was no match for her! Above all, she loved spending time with her friends and family.

From Joyce’s recent journal entries:

I have to say without my family I would not be here. My son Robb , wife Kara; Mendi and Shae Ganje; Heidi, Gabriel, Jon Garside; Sunni, Chris Sr., Leigh, Chris Jr. Ganje; Ashli, Sam, Solomon Murschel; Robbie Jr. and Ashten Ganje - They have all done everything in the world for me.

Brother Tom, sister-in-law Sarah – never will I see a duckling without thinking about you, Tom.

Julie, Dave, and Kenny – Your sense of humor is appreciated.

Jon and Shiela – you can always make me smile.

Tiny and Keith, Georgia, Alva, John – without your cards and letters, my stay would have been dull.

Big Sue – I can’t believe you made the trip. You have come a long way since Rapid City. Make sure your driver’s license is valid.

Helen and Bud – You are truly the “Spice of Life”

Neal – Your visits and cards brought a spark to my life.

There is no way I can tell who all sent cards, letters, and prayers. But please do know that I enjoy each and every one. I am thinking that my room will be well prepared with cards I have received.

Joyce was a devout Catholic and she opened her heart to everyone as a true Christian. She set an example of strength and generosity for all who knew her and she left this world with as much grace and dignity as she had in life. Even in her passing, Joyce impressed upon us all the value of family and love.

Joyce is survived by her loving and devoted son, Robert Ganje (Kara); grandchildren, Mendi Ganje, Heidi Garside (Jon), Sunni Ganje (Chris), Robbie Ganje, Ashli Murschel (Sam); mother of grandchildren, Julie Ganje; great-grandchildren, Shae Ganje, Gabriel Mendoza, Ashten Ganje, Leigh Ganje, Christopher Ganje, Solomon Murschel; brother, Thomas Carter (Sara); and all of her faithful friends, including Tiny and Keith Farlee, Alva Schneider, Georgia Gunville, Big Sue Eberhard, Helen Neigel, Lorraine Brotsky, Dean and Mavis Schremp, and everyone else to whom she meant so very much.

The angels are surely rejoicing as Joyce takes her place in heaven and joins her husband of 47 years, Frank Ganje; her beloved sisters and brothers, Donald Carter, Mary Lou Fischer, John Carter, Bernice Kelly; and her parents Mary Ferguson, John Carter; and step-father Elder Ferguson.

Grams, you will be missed by us all. You will be remembered with love every time we eat macaroons; make bread pudding; explain to our friends what slumgolian is; smell bread baking; and each time your friends play Farkel. You have truly left us all better people for your gift of love upon us. We can only hope that we live our lives with as much class and grace as you modeled for us. Now aushcapito! Don’t forget to check on us.

Luce Funeral Chapel, of Eagle Butte, has been entrusted with Joyce’s arrangements.