Joyce Evelyn Notaras
Joyce Notaras, 92, of Soap Lake passed away on Thursday, May 5 at McKay Healthcare and Rehab Center in Soap Lake.
She was born November 3, 1912 in Portland, Ore. Joyce met her husband, George, at the James Cafe in Soap Lake. They were married in 1934 and owned and operated the Lakeshore Cabins for 37 years.
Joyce worked as a cook at McKay Hospital for 15 years and then for Don's Restaurant for 30 years as a kitchen consultant and main taster. Joyce and George are the namesake for the Notaras Lodge in Soap Lake. She was one of the founding members of the Episcopal Church in Ephrata, belonged to the Ladies Home Improvement Club and the McKay Christian Hospital Guild. She was a troop leader for Blue Birds and Campfire Girls and was active in the PTA.
Known as "Grandma No" to everyone that knew her, she enjoyed playing bingo and the quarter slots. Joyce loved to knit, crochet, quilt, garden and could play a mean hand of pinochle.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Betty Frucci of Spokane; four daughters and spouses: Freida and Nick Sebok, Marina Romary, April Leask, Joyce and Jim Conklin all of Soap Lake; and one son, Nick Notaras of Walla Walla. Also, daughter-in-law, Mariko Monte of Millsboro, Del.; niece Patricia and Rene Danis and nephew Dominic Frucci all of Spokane.
She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and spouses: Anthony and Carole Granillo, Raymon and Lauren Granillo, Dan and Marife Granillo, Terry and Melody Granillo, Carmen and Ken Eckhart, Denise Romary, Duane Nycz, Mark Notaras, Andy and Dena Notaras, Christopher Notaras, Ann Marie Mitchell, Marina and Jim Whitmore, Lisa and Roger Wooleyhan, Margaret and Layton Moore, Laura and Paul Mohan, Nicole Notaras and Christia and Craig Ostrom. Joyce also has 23 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in by her husband, George, on October 31, 1971 and two sons: David and Anthony (Tony) Notaras.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Episcopal Church in Ephrata, with a Celebration of Life to follow at Don's Restaurant in Soap Lake.
Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata is in charge of the arrangements and viewing.
The family asks in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the McKay Healthcare and Rehab Center in Soap Lake.