Joyce Howell, 74, Berthold, ND, died Tuesday, November 14, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Joyce Marie Howell was born June 29, 1943, to James and Margaret (Jensen) Nielsen in Stanley, ND. She was raised on the family farm north of town. Joyce graduated from Stanley High School in 1961.
On August 12, 1962, Joyce married Ernest Howell in Stanley. They had four children and raised them in various places until moving to the family farm near Tagus.

In her earlier years, Joyce worked in the kitchen at St. Joseph’s hospital and other various jobs. Once they moved to the family farm, she stayed home with the kids until they were older. She then worked at Barb’s Café in Berthold and for Tri City Cares in New Town. She semi-retired in 1999 but did seasonal cooking for Bock Eckmann farms until she started having health troubles.

Joyce loved to cook and bake and was well known for her lefse. People would order lefse from her every year. She loved going to her grandchildren’s activities as much as she could. She also loved to read.

She had a special friendship with her neighbor, Darlene Myers. In the early years they got together 2-3 times a week for coffee, but as they aged, it became 2-3 phone calls per day!

Joyce was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Berthold. When her children were younger, she was a leader of Farmers Union youth group. She was also the secretary for Kickapoo Township for many, many years.

Joyce is survived by her children: Terry (Paula) Howell, Tim Howell, Todd Howell and Tammy (Dave) Carico; grandchildren: Cody (hope) Howell, Casey (Kim) Howell, Cydney (Joe) Howell, Cari Howell, Stetson Carico, Kylee Carico, Nathan Carico and Christian Carico; great-grandchildren: Parker Howell and Fynleigh Kunza; sister, Marge Apeles; and sister-in-law, Clarice Abrahamson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.