Joyce Elizabeth Sweatte Brockhoff, 74

Joyce Elizabeth Sweatte Brockhoff passed away Jan. 7, 2016, at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born in Spokane, Wash., on March 10, 1941, to Rex Shannon Sweatte and Elizabeth (Betty) Cook Sweatte.

At the age of 4 she moved with her parents, sister, Carol and brother, Shannon to Moab, Wash., where her parents bought an old country grocery store and they resided in the living quarters behind the store. She remembered living out in the country in a close-knit neighborhood and community as a very special time. Upon beginning eighth grade the family moved to the Spokane Valley where they remained until she graduated from West Valley High School in 1959.

While still in high school, she met and began dating Roger Allen Brockhoff and attended her senior prom with him. They married in 1961 in Spokane and, as they say, the rest is history. Joyce and Roger had 54 delightful and loving years together. In 1963, they moved to Coeur d’Alene and together had three wonderful sons, Michael Allen, Randall Scott and David Rex Brockhoff. She also had two special daughters-in-law, Koko Peters Brockhoff and Katherine King Brockhoff who both adored her.

Once her boys were older Joyce worked for the Coeur d’Alene School District as an elementary school secretary for 28 years and is remembered fondly by generations of students at Borah, Bryan and Winton elementary schools, where she presided over the office until her retirement in 2001. With her faith in God she gave back to her community again by volunteering, most recently at Lake City Community Church.

Joyce and Roger were also blessed with three grandchildren, Rocky Allen, Taylor Joy and Jacey Lee Brockhoff, who each meant the world to her and are her pride and joy. Her love and support for her grandchildren cannot be overstated; she quite simply loved them unconditionally. She never missed a game or event if Rocky, Taylor or Jacey was involved and would travel as far as necessary to be there.

Joyce’s life was rich with family, friends, love, fun and joy. To know her was to love her and her friendship was a blessing to all who knew her. Her friends were many and each one special to her. She was one of those rare souls who saw the best in everyone, was a good friend and a joy to simply spend time with. A master gardener, she loved flowers and always took time to have fresh flowers in her home. She enjoyed camping with her family and their campsite was always the best place to be, with family and friends gathered round. Whether at their home or campsite you were always greeted with love and warm hospitality. Roger and Joyce had a particularly great time while traveling extensively through the country after their retirement.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, Roger; sons Michael, Randall and David; grandchildren Rocky, Taylor and Jacey Brockhoff; brother Shannon Sweatte and his wife Janet; brothers-in-law Jim Wuerch and Arno Brockhoff and wife Shirley; and numerous loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Betty Seatte and sister Carol Wuerch.

Although she loved flowers, she requested donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho or Lake City Church Benevolence Fund.

Service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Lake City Community Church, reception to follow. Please join us to remember and honor her life.

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