Joyce Naomi Dunphy, 91

Joyce Naomi Dunphy, 91, of Post Falls, Idaho, and formerly of Wallace, Idaho, passed away Sept. 21, 2024, at Guardian Angel Homes in Post Falls, Idaho. Joyce was born Oct. 23, 1932, in Pierre, S.D., the daughter of the late John Lovelace and Naomi (Dot) Lovelace.

Joyce’s family relocated to Wallace, Idaho, in 1944, and Joyce graduated from Wallace High School, Class of 1950. She went to St. Luke’s Nursing School in Spokane, Wash., and graduated in 1953 to become a registered nurse. Her career as a nurse spanned decades, starting at St. Luke’s Hospital in Spokane, Wash. From there, she worked in various hospitals in Texas, Utah, Montana, California and Idaho. Locally, she worked at East Shoshone Hospital for 19 years and Shoshone Medical Center for three years. Joyce retired from nursing in 1994.

On Sept. 30, 1972, Joyce married Patrick Dunphy in Wallace, Idaho. Joyce was a member of the PEO, Beta Sigma Phi and was an active member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Wallace. She was also a member of the Embroiders’ Guild of America. Joyce enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, camping and researching genealogy.

In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Patrick W. Dunphy, and her sister, JoAnne R. Snyder.

Survivors include her daughters, Elayne Semko, Elise Passmore, Robyn Kokot, Jana Gallina and her son, Ronald Bechtold. She was also survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the United Church of Christ Congregational Church in Wallace, Idaho. 

Memories of Joyce and messages of condolence may be shared with her family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the family with arrangements.