Joyce Veal

Joyce Veal, 92, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 at the Western Horizons Care Center in Hettinger, ND. 

Joyce's visitation was at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2024 at Grace Bible Fellowship in Bison, SD. Funeral services began at 2 p.m. Following the funeral, Joyce's family and friends  shared a meal and fellowship before leaving for the burial at the Chance Cemetery at 4 p.m.

Joyce Elaine Wilson was born April 18th, 1932 at Chadoin Township, SD to Mabel (Peterson) and Louis K. “LK” Wilson. She was the sister of older brothers Milton “Russell”, Doyle, younger brothers Louis and Dale, and younger sisters Hope and Faye.

She grew up on the family ranch on Rabbit Creek south of Chance, SD and attended country school in Chadoin Township. After her family moved to the Peterson farm south of Bison, she attended high school in Bison, graduating in 1949 as salutatorian of her class. On September 2nd, 1949, Joyce married Ralph Miles Veal of Bison, where they lived and raised two sons, Niles born June 4th, 1951, and Ridge born June 8th, 1956.

Throughout Joyce’s life, she always had a job. While in high school she kept books for Watson’s Implement of Bison. After graduation she was employed by the Soil Conservation Service. In 1962 Joyce started work in the accounting department for Grand Electric and West River Telephone, where she continued for 40 years until retirement in 2002.

In addition to her dedication to work and family, she enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family. Ralph and Joyce were avid bowlers over the years. They enjoyed many hours bowling in leagues and loved spending time with friends. In later years she and Ralph drove through most of the Western states in their motorhome. On their 50th wedding anniversary they went to Niagara Falls to celebrate. After their excursion East, she and Ralph agreed they liked the West best.

Joyce was very generous and an exceptional giver of gifts. She never forgot the birthdays of her sons, daughters-in –law, grandkids, and in later years their spouses and great grandchildren. Joyce made Christmas a special time for her family. Some of the happiest childhood memories for her grandchildren were Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents LK and Mabel Wilson, her husband Ralph Miles Veal, her brothers Russell, Doyle, Louis, and Dale, an infant sister Arlina, and her sister Faye.

Grateful for having shared her life are Niles and Jean Veal of Sheridan, WY, their children Shelly (Michael) Wayne of Kanab, UT with Eryn and Isabel; Cody and Lorena Veal of Sheridan, WY, with Wyatt and Easton; Ridge and Peggy Veal of Bison, SD and their children Ben Veal of Bison, Todd (Kim) Veal of Platte, SD with Hunter, Ryker, Asher, Thayer, and Kyler; Penny (Ben) Goold of Gillette, WY with Erin, Eric, Brooklyn, Brynlee, and Grant; Ryan (Sharla) Veal of Hulett, WY with Haley, Garret, Kasey, Taya Mae, and Daniel; sister Hope Reder of Sturgis, numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Joyce's family and friends are encouraged to sign her online guestbook at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.   A livestream of the video can be viewed on the website also.