Carmen 'Joyce' Ulrich (Geren)

Carmen "Joyce" Ulrich (Geren) passed away March 13, 2025, with her daughter Kriss by her side. She was born to Harold and Marie Geren on May 21, 1934, in Great Falls, Mont. I won't print her age; Mom had a thing about anyone asking or talking about her age. Cat's out of the bag, Mom; the readers will do the math.

Mom grew up on a little farm in Hayden on Reed Road, where she shared chores with her six siblings. Her main chore was cooking for the family, and what an excellent cook she was. She went to school at the old Hayden Lake Elementary School and then to the old Cd'A High School on Seventh Street.

Fred Ulrich came into her life, and they wed March 19, 1955. Mom and Dad made their home in Hayden, where mom mainly raised us kids; Dad worked long hours logging in the woods. Mom would work waitressing jobs sometimes when finances were hurting. Back in the '60s, one of those jobs was at the Hayden Lake Country Club. Mom and Dad were early members of the Hayden Lake Eagles, where they made great friends and really enjoyed themselves. After retiring, Mom worked there on Sundays as a bartender while Dad took care of the grounds. The grandkids still have good memories of staying with Granny and Papa in the trailer up the Coeur d'Alene River at Babins. Mom and Dad also made several trips to visit kids and grandkids in Oregon and Montana. After Dad's passing in 2014, Mom and daughter Kriss decided it would be better for Mom to move with her to Roseburg, Ore. She lived there until her passing.

Mom was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Fred, and her brothers, Harold, Larry and Lee Geren. Daughter-in-law Kathy (Dave), and grandson Adam.

Survived by children Dave Ulrich, Russ (Laura) Ulrich, Steve (Ella) Ulrich and Kriss (Brian) Bailey. Grandchildren Brandi (Derek) Amunrud, Kasey (Chris) Mazur, Annie (Aaron) Williams, Allen (Alex) Ulrich, Scott Ulrich, Miranda Ulrich, Stephanie Ulrich, Carmen (Jason) Walker and Kyle Bussell. Eighteen great-grandchildren. Siblings: Donna George, Patty (Dale) Bymaster and Jim (Peggy) Geren.

Mom requested no services; her ashes will be spread at a later date.

    Ulrich