Joyce Gates

Joyce Ann Gates, 81, of Spokane, Washington, went to be with her Lord on November 21, 2025. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Born on April 29, 1944, in Ogden, Utah, Joyce was the daughter of Herbert Lewis and Margaret Elizabeth (Craven) Christensen. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gil, along with their three children—Paula, Andrea, and Byron—and their families. Joyce especially loved being “Granma” to her three grandchildren. Within her extended family, Joyce is survived by her younger sister Karen Harp and her older brother—and Dutch twin—Roy Christensen.

Joyce treasured her family and the many dear friends who accompanied her through the years. She brought a gentle light to every life she touched, sharing her love and creativity freely. Whether tending blossoms in her garden, crafting and sewing, or painting with a steady hand, Joyce found joy in nature and art. As a longtime teacher in the Mead School District, she took great pride in guiding the next generation and opening doors for her students to discover their own talents and aspirations.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will take place in the spring, the season she loved most. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Joyce to make a donation in her name to the Manito Park and Botanical Gardens (The Friends of Manito).

The family deeply appreciates your support and kindly asks that you share this memorial with anyone who was blessed to know Joyce.