Joyce Gerschultz
Joyce Gerschultz, 84, passed away peacefully in her Boise home on May 4, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Joyce, the most loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jim; children, Steve (Christina), Sharon (Mike) and Kristen (Andrew); grandchildren, Jaclyn, Robert, Sam and Kate; and her faithful dog, Maddie.
Joyce was born in Toledo, Ohio to Loretta and Howard Buffington. The eldest of three girls, Joyce lived a life filled with love, laughter and hard work. Her family enjoyed music, and throughout her life Joyce delighted in singing as well as playing the piano. She met the love of her life, Jim Gerschultz, in college at the University of Toledo, and together they built a family that was fortunate enough to experience living in New York, Virginia, California and Idaho.
The other love of Joyce’s life was children. She found joy and fulfillment helping the next generation learn and grow as an elementary school teacher and later a principal. Education was her passion and even her license plate, KIDZ PAL, demonstrated her love of children. Joyce gave her time and talents willingly and continued to mentor student teachers and share her affection for books and reading with hospitalized children after she retired.
Family was the most important thing to Joyce, and she cherished all the good times at home, at the homes of her children or on family trips together. She enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, walking, gardening, decorating, sewing, book clubs, playing cards and participating in fashion shows with her friends.
A celebration of life will be held in Boise later this summer to ensure all immediate family members can be present. Joyce’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.