Joyce Marie Housley Murdoch, 80, of Ashton, passed away Monday, September 30, 2013 at her home. She was born February 14, 1933 in St. Anthony, ID, to Louis and Dena Park Housley.

Joyce attended schools in St. Anthony and graduated from South Fremont High School. Following graduation she attended one year at Ricks College.

She met and married DeLynn Murdoch on June 25, 1952 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joyce was a selfless person who loved being with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted a wife who loved and cared for her husband for 61 years. Not only did she find enjoyment through her children's many activities, but she encouraged many other children through school and church functions. She was personally involved in many of these school activities where she directed many plays and programs. She was also a substitute teacher when they lived in Montana. Joyce loved to dance and taught dance lessons in areas where she lived. Growing up she was a good swimmer and taught lessons when she was older.

She loved to hunt, fish and camp. She enjoyed a variety of animals owning chickens, goats, and horses all of her life. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. She sewed clothes for her children when they were growing up. Joyce enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She canned and bottled food and always had a two year supply up on the shelf. She made great bottled root beer.

She is survived by her husband, DeLynn of Ashton, ID, her children, Steven Murdoch of Marysville, Idaho, Michael (Denise) Murdoch of Kennewick, Washington, Kenneth (Teresa) Murdoch of Ennis, Montana, James (La Vasha) Murdoch of Kittitas, Washington, Jolyn (Gary) Kawano of Powell, Wyoming, as well as 26 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Don (Barbara) Housley of California, Larry (Kathy) Housley of Idaho Falls, Richard (Julie) Housley of St. Anthony and a brother-in-law Bill Forsberg of St. Anthony.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law, Latona, and her sister, Colleen.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2013 at the Ashton LDS Stake. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 at the church prior to services.