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Joyce West Gohlke
<p>Joyce West Gohlke born August 12, 1934, in Fordyce, Arkansas passed away August 27, 2021, in Oregon City, Oregon. Joyce was the daughter of Effie Wood and Robert West. <br /> Joyce was born and raised in Arkansas moving from Maumelle, Arkansas to St. Augustine, Florida in 2017 to live with her granddaughter (Melissa Anderson) due to onset Alzheimer's/Dementia. She was sure to let everyone know that she was from Arkansas and proud of her home state. She recently moved to Oregon City in November of 2020 to live out her remaining days with her loving daughter, Brenda Donkers. </p> <p><br /> Joyce married Emil Gohlke in 1951 (divorced 1973, preceded in death August 30, 2016) and had two children, Brenda (Gohlke) Donkers and Robert Gohlke. She would also later raise her granddaughter, Melissa (Gohlke) Anderson.</p> <p><br /> Joyce was a renowned seamstress. A highlight of her career was redecorating the Arkansas Governor's mansion when Bill Clinton was elected Governor. Joyce loved to garden and loved animals. She cherished her chihuahuas "Beanie Baby" and "Baby Girl". Joyce was always ready for a good laugh and loved to be around family and friends. She was also an amazing cook and baker. Joyce enjoyed getting to travel around the United States with her sister & brother-in-law after retirement. <br /> Joyce made an impact on everyone she met and will be missed immensely by her family and friends. </p> <p><br /> Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Effie Wood & Robert West, brothers Elmer, Dewey, Vernon (Jack), son Robert Gohlke, and grandson Joseph Donkers. <br /> Joyce is survived by her daughter Brenda (Gohlke) & Jay Donkers; granddaughter Jessica (Donkers) & Joshua Robbins, great-grandson Brendan (Bell) Donkers, great-granddaughters Willow Robbins and Emily Rose Donkers (Joseph's daughter). Granddaughter Melissa (Gohlke) & Kirk Anderson and great-granddaughter Kamryn Anderson. Her sister, Helen (West) Smead as well as nieces, nephews, and her chihuahua "Baby Girl" who is now being spoiled by family in Florida. </p> <p><br /> A memorial for Joyce will be held in her hometown of Fordyce, Arkansas in the Spring of 2022 with loved ones. <br /> </p>August 12, 1934 - August 27, 202108/12/193408/27/2021
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Joyce West Gohlke
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