Joyce Zavalney , Minot, formerly of Velva, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2016 at 80 years of age.

Joyce was born on December 12, 1935 in New York City to Leo, Sr. and Ruth Reichert. She was her Daddy's "little princess", but her life was changed forever when her beloved Daddy passed away when she was only 7 years old. For 2 years, Joyce lived in Hackensack, New Jersey with her Mother and baby brother. Joyce and her family moved to Kief, North Dakota to be closer to relatives when she was 9. Her Mother later married Nick Michalenko, and together they had 2 daughters.

She attended public school in Kief, North Dakota and was in the last Kief High School graduating class. She chose to complete her 4th year of high school with correspondence courses, and graduated at the age of 17. Joyce attended Minot State Teacher's College and received her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art and Home Economics in 3 years. After graduation, Joyce taught 6th grade in Velva, North Dakota for 3 years.

Joyce met Clarence Zavalney at a baseball game in Butte, and they were later married on June 2, 1957. They made their home in Velva, across the street from the Velva swimming pool, and were blessed to raise 4 children there.

Joyce loved being a stay at home mom to her 4 children. She taught her children to work hard, be honest and responsible, be wise with their money, plus so much more.

Joyce loved gardening and she raised a bountiful vegetable garden from which she canned countless jars of fruits and vegetables. She raised beautiful flowers, with purple and lilac flowers being her favorites. She bowled on a bowling league for years and won many special awards during those years. She liked playing bingo, reading, knitting, crocheting and Bible Studies. Joyce was a talented artist and especially loved to create beautiful paintings with chalk. She liked learning new crafts, taking trips and was an excellent cook. She was an amazing seamstress and loved sewing matching outfits for her daughters and herself for holidays and special occasions.

Joyce worked at the Souris Valley Care Center in Velva for several years after her children left home, and absolutely loved working with the residents.

Joyce was a member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva and later, attended the First Baptist Church in Minot. She also enjoyed attending the XYZ Senior Group at the First Baptist Church.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Clarence, Velva. Daughter, Joan Morse and her husband Les and daughter Sharee' from Idaho Falls, ID. Son, Craig and his wife, Julie, and their children, Isaac, Judah, Luke, Joel and Hannah from Burlington, ND. Daughter, Sharon Schmaltz and her husband Wayne, from Hazen, ND and sons, Ryan and wife Jean from Helena, MT, and Kyle from Fort Bridger, WY. Son, Loren and his wife Anita, and their children Brady Sprague of Fargo, ND, Jenna, Adam and Nathan from Park River, ND. Brother, Leo Reichert and his wife Gayle, from Grand Marais, MN. Sisters, Diane Johnson from Ruso, ND, and Lorraine Koenig and her husband Jim from Lindstrom, MN.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff that cared for Joyce while she lived at Valley View Manor in Velva, Somerset Assisted Living and Brentmoor Assisted Living in Minot.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2016, at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, 400 Main Street North, Velva, ND with fellowship and lunch to follow service.
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva, ND.
Visitation : Thursday, March 3, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, 304 Main Street South, Minot, ND and the family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.