Joyce Ninnemann

Joyce Ninnemann, 82, our loving mother, matriarch, mentor and force of nature has passed from this world to be with her beloved husband, Jerry, in Heaven. Joyce passed May 23, 2024. 

Joyce was born in Yakima, Wash., on May 27, 1941, to Ellen Sheets and Lloyd Wise. Depending on who you ask, she was either born moments before or after her twin sister, Janice.

Joyce and Janice were the oldest of three other siblings, Larry, Jane and Randy Wise. 

Joyce was a constant and deep thinker and enjoyed exploring the mysteries of the universe. She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Providence and while in the convent went to school at Seattle University to become a nurse. Joyce left the convent and soon met and married her love, Jerry, who coincidentally had almost become a priest. 

Joyce and Jerry were married for 47 years and spent their lives raising their children, Joe, Jennifer, Jeff, Kay a foster child, as well as many other foster children and every kind of livestock imaginable. Loving memories were created together in Ballard, the Manastash Canyon near Ellensburg, Zillah and Moses Lake, Wash. 

Joyce was a nun, nurse-practitioner, mental health professional and mentor, crisis response manager, school board member, gardener, orchardist, wild horse wrangler, friend, ever-guiding mother and grandmother. Joyce loved family and was extremely proud of her children and their spouses, and doted on her grandchildren Eli, Isaac, Peyton and Jordyn. 

Joyce loved family gatherings, giving presents, seeing her kids and grandchildren succeed, reading the paper and doing sudoku. She dedicated her life to serving others and providing help to those in need, primarily through her life as a mental health provider. Joyce will be remembered as a powerful force of intellect, presence and love. She was a one-of-a-kind person and one that will be missed and remembered. 

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.