She was born March 10, 1953, to David and Blanche Keefer Redd. She grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She attended local schools and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1971. She received three Bachelor of Science degrees from Loma Linda Medical University in California; one in inhalation therapy, another in nursing and the third in anesthesiology.

Joyce married Steven Ruesch while attending college; they were later divorced.

She is survived by her mother, Blanche D. Redd; a sister, Laurel Anne Redd and a brother, John Russell Redd all of Idaho Falls; a brother, David Paul Redd of Shoreline, Washington; nephews: Jim (Jamie) Thiessen of McMinnville, Oregon, and Aaron (Lisa) Redd of Madison, Wisconsin; a niece, Darcie Hyde of Idaho Falls; great-nieces and nephews: Dereck Alexandria, Jacob, Conner, Caitlyn, Kenny, Muriel, and Malika; and an uncle, Hal Keefer.

She was preceded in death by her father, David Russell Redd; grandparents, James and Hannah Keefer; and several beloved uncles.

Joyce missed many days of school during her childhood, sometimes weeks at a time as she battled her health but never lost her enthusiasm for learning or her brightness of spirit. She would bounce back when able to meet her friends and participate with all the fullness of life's possibilities. Her inner strength and courage overshadowing any obstacles placed in her path by a fragile body.

Her first job was at Loma Linda Medical University Hospital where she flourished in the warmth of the sun and new companions. She was well respected in her field as a pediatric nurse anesthetist. Many other health care professionals requested her, especially for treatment for their families or themselves. She worked endlessly with very ill children; they would go quietly with her as she pulled them in a red wagon down the hall to yet another procedure trusting Joyce as they did no other.

She was excited by the fast pace and the warm weather of California but was also pulled, for awhile, to the beaches of Southwest Florida. She seldom missed watching the sunset while walking along the beach and fed every stray animal within blocks of her home. After a few years, she returned to the Loma Linda Hospital to finish her work with the children she loved so much.

Family ties were very important to Joyce. She traveled to see her parents and family many times each year keeping the bonds strong. It was not unusual for her to fly in for just a weekend to sit around the kitchen table and share a few meals before leaving again.

Joyce was filled with kindness and generosity. Everyone liked her and she formed many deep lasting friendships. She delighted in buying gifts for everyone...many serious but also gag gifts such as giant pens, T-shirts with outlandish sayings and joke buttons. The pure childlike humor never left her and her eyes sparkled with joy at simple things. She remembered everyone's birthday and her Christmas list was huge.

She loved to travel and was always up for a trip whether it was to see the Great Pyramids near Cairo, the Eiffel Tower, the antebellum mansions along the Mississippi River, or the Taj Mahal. She was excited about trying new things- anything from exotic foods, new fashions to learning about different cultures and customs.

Movies were her passion, she brought them home so she could watch them over and over. Her favorites often played until they wore out and new copies had to be purchased. Her home was filled with books, music and art objects that spoke to her of a pleasant lifestyle.

Joyce returned to Idaho a few years ago when her health would no longer allow her to give the loving care to patients that she had helped for many years. Her family was so glad to have her near but sorrowed in her discomfort and pain. Her spirit so light and gentle, it almost seemed like she never really put her full weight down in this life.

She loved animals, children, family and all mankind. Her regard for other's plight was constantly demonstrated in the many causes she adamantly supported. Her nephews and nieces brought her joy and she taught each one of them imagination and the promise of adventure by telling them stories of fairies and magic and all things wonderful.

The world will be a lesser place without her; she brought so much charm and grace to us all. Our memories of good times spent with her sit close around our hearts like old friends at a campfire, warm and comfortable....but we will never stop missing her.

The family of Joyce Redd will hold private services for her in the spring per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be make to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 2498 E. 2100 N., Hamer, Idaho, 83425, or the Idaho Falls Community Food Bank, 270 Placer, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.