Joyce Rita Grant Mangan

Born in Spokane, Wash., Joyce Rita Grant Mangan was raised in Montana by Jim and Rita McBride Grant. Through the 89 years of her life, she was old enough to remember the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and today’s wars as well. She went through the Great Depression, enactment of Social Security, a man on the moon, exploration of mars and the computer revolution. The last presidential election kept her on alert.

In spite of the hardships of those times, her childhood was filled with good memories of experiencing the stresses and joys of the day. She went to school in a one-room schoolhouse in Montana. Her young life was spent in Hog Heaven, Lone Pine, Camas Prairie and Hot Springs, Montana. The family made many trips to gatherings at her grandparents’ home in Spokane.

After graduating from high school, Joyce married John Leo Mangan, her life-long partner. They lived in Montana logging camps and soon moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho. It was here they had two daughters: Janet Mangan McCart and Jennifer Susan Mangan Smith. They moved several times in Idaho before settling in Dalton Gardens in 1953. They built their ranch home in Dalton, their pride- with a manicured lawn and garden, and she stayed there until death.

Joyce was known to be a proponent of health, fitness and nutrition. She was a breast cancer survivor and active in politics. Joyce and John bonded with a group they called the ‘Dalton Gang,’ a close set of special neighbors who played and worked together, and the few left still gather today. Later, Joyce’s close neighbors and friends made it possible for her to live in her home, which she never wanted to leave.

Always tight with her family, Flathead Lake was a favorite gathering place for her siblings and their children. Sue and Joe Smith delivered two grandchildren, Brian and Jamie Smith. She was always proud of their loving ways and accomplishments.

Joyce loved traveling. Her favorite places were Mexico, Alaska, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle and Hawaii. She visited Alaska many times and in all seasons, but her favorite trip was to Valdez, Alaska, on the ferry system.

In 2001 Joyce and John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family at the Clark House. John died suddenly in 2008 with complications from knee surgery.

Always dear to her, Joyce left surviving loved ones: Jim Grant, Barbara VanLeuven and Vicky McClellen; her children, Janet McCart and Sue Smith; her grandchildren Brian and Jamie Smith; and, like a sister, Caroline Smith. Preceding her in death were her husband, John Mangan; Carol and Pat Hargrave; Evelyn Grant; and like a brother, Stanley ‘Bud’ Smith.

Happy Trails to you, Joyce.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please view and sign Joyce’s online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com