Joyce Grace Jollo

Joyce Grace Jollo (1930–2025)

Joyce Grace Jollo (née Munig), a radiant and devoted matriarch whose warmth touched countless lives, passed away peacefully at her cherished home in Powell Butte, Oregon, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the age of 95. In her final days, she fulfilled her deepest wish: to remain enveloped in the loving embrace of her family, in the place she held most dear. 

Born on February 16, 1930, in Webster, North Dakota, daughter of Julia and George Munig,  Joyce's profound bond with family was forged early amid adversity and affection. Following the heartbreaking loss of her mother from childbirth complications, she was tenderly raised by her namesake grandmother, Grace, and a circle of devoted aunts. Joyce’s upbringing reflected the close-knit immigrant heritage of her family, which traced back to Norwegian and early settler lines in rural North Dakota. Amid the expansive, sun-kissed prairies of that region—a landscape she forever treasured—Joyce grew up surrounded by a lively extended family of cousins, cultivating the devotion, wit, sociability, and Norwegian customs that defined her extraordinary life. 

While enrolled as a nursing student in college, Joyce met Vincent James Jollo. They wed on April 18, 1949, in Fargo, North Dakota, embarking on a shared journey anchored in love and family. The following year they  welcomed a daughter, Barbara Jollo (later Barbara Anderson), and soon after a son, Ronald Jollo into the world. Almost a decade in, they moved their family to Warden, Washington, where the couple finished raising Barbara and Ron. Joyce was a devoted wife and an energetic, involved and nurturing mother. Joyce's mothering spirit knew no bounds, extending far beyond her own kin. In her children's teenage years, she welcomed foster son Mike Dickenson into her heart and home with unwavering love and acceptance. Her expanding family—ultimately encompassing seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren—became her greatest source of delight and the inspiration for her myriad creative pursuits. With skillful hands and boundless generosity and energy, she knitted cozy baby blankets and Afghans, crocheted doll clothes and home decor, and sewed elaborate Halloween costumes. A masterful baker, she delighted loved ones (especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) with traditional Norwegian treats, homemade birthday cakes and jams with fruit collected from the family’s yards. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren cherish memories of the many hours she spent playing card games and other games with them, and taking them on adventures. Her stamina to keep up with the young ones was truly inspiring. Vince and Joyce remained in Warden, WA until 1990, at which point they relocated to their final home in Powell Butte, OR. 

A dynamo of vitality, Joyce embraced life with unbridled enthusiasm. Her passions spanned cross-country skiing, golfing, dancing, camping, and hiking. She was a dedicated walker,  annually participating in Spokane Washington’s Bloomsday event–as much for the social scene as the physical activity–amassing a collection of medals through the years. Honoring her heritage, she was a proud and engaged member of the Sons of Norway.  An avid Bridge player, she attended and hosted weekly games even as she approached 90 years old; a gracious hostess, she orchestrated unforgettable cocktail parties and quintessential family holiday meals and gatherings; and a faithful Catholic, she served her church and community with tireless dedication. Her prowess at telling a good story-form joke, razor-sharp wit, and infectious humor made her the sparkling centerpiece of every gathering. She loved to travel, both nationally and internationally, and the companionship that went with it. 

Even in her later years, Joyce's commitment to service shone brightly through volunteer roles at the local hospital gift shop, senior center, and Hospice. As her earthly journey drew to a close, she spoke candidly of her deep faith and the eager anticipation of reuniting in heaven with the dear ones who had gone before her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Vince. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her daughter, Barbara Anderson; sons, Ronald Jollo and Mike Dickenson; seven grandchildren: Melissa and Julia Anderson; RaeAnna Jollo Neville; Jamin Jollo; Dan, David and Shelly Dickenson; and nine great-grandchildren: Alayna and Erik Neville, Charles and Curtis Andercoe, John and Frances Audrain, and Ellie, Wyatt and Daniel Dickenson.

There will be a Rosary and viewing service on Friday Sept. 19, 2025 at Prineville Funeral Home starting at 10:00am (199 NE 10th St Prineville, OR 97754). Following will be a graveside service at the Powell Butte Cemetery at 12:00pm (11290 SW Reif Rd Powell Butte, OR 97753).

There will be Celebration of Life at the Powell Butte Community Center on September 19, 2025 at 1:00pm (8404 SW Reif RD Powell Butte, OR 97753).

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