Joyce Lorene Aylward

Our beloved mother, Joyce Frasier Wheeler Aylward, sadly passed away on August 26, 2023, at the age of 93, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA.

Joyce grew up in Oregon Slope, OR, near Weiser, ID, and was an older sister to her best friend, Fern Pohs. She was raised on a cattle ranch and loved to ride horses as well as tease her younger sister, Fern. Joyce graduated from Ontario High School in 1947 and was named the Rodeo Queen of the Weiser Rodeo that year. She attended the University of Oregon, where she studied Interior Design.

Joyce married Emerson Wheeler and resided in Pendleton, OR, for 40 years. They raised their three children, Brad, Cindy, and Becky, in Pendleton. She was a licensed broker and opened her own real estate office called Group 1. She enjoyed snow skiing, spending time at their cabin in Anthony Lakes, and socializing with her friends.

Joyce moved to Walla Walla when she married Jim Aylward in 1992 and lived there until her death. Jim and Joyce spent the winters in Borrego Springs, CA, for many years and enjoyed being members of the golf community. She was an avid golfer and won many local tournaments during their residence there. They also enjoyed vacationing with their friends from Borrego. She was a member of the Pendleton Rotary Club, PEO, and the Walla Walla Country Club.

Joyce was a Christian and was a member of the Pendleton Presbyterian Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walla Walla. She was generous and supported many local charities and groups.

Joyce was fun-loving and enjoyed playing cards and games with her family, especially her grandkids. She was very competitive and was happiest when she left the table as the winner! She has left behind so many who will miss her spunk, her energy, and her kind heart.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Pearl Frasier, and her husband, Jim Aylward. Joyce is survived by her children, Brad Wheeler (Pam ) of Tualatin, OR, Cindy Richman (James) of Spokane, WA, and Rebecca Alvarez of Scottsdale, AZ; sister, Fern Pohs (Ray) of Walla Walla, WA; grandsons, Jacob Bliss, Nolan Bliss, and Trent Wheeler (Janine); granddaughters, Jennifer Wilson (Jon), Kaitlyn Alvarez; and great-granddaughters, Simone and Teresa Wheeler.

A private celebration of life will be held for Joyce at the Walla Walla Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce requested donations in her name to the following organizations: Blue Mountain Action Council, Christian Aid Center, Friends of Children of Walla Walla, Blue Mountain Humane Society, or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.