On December 17, 2021 we lost our kind, generous, and spirited mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Lennys Joyner was born July 25, 1937 in New Salem, North Dakota. She was known to her family and friends as Lenny.  Lenny was the second of 4 children born to Olaf and Selma Peterson.  Her two younger brothers died at infancy leaving her older sister, Arvella, as her only sibling.  Her early years were spent in the small town of Almont.  As a small child she loved spending time with her family and many cousins.  Family gatherings and music were a huge part of her Almont memories.  Grandpa Abe and her daddy, Olaf, always played their violins together.

When Lenny was a small child, her family moved to Vancouver Washington.  She has fond memories living there on Harney Street, where she never to her dying day forgot her address.   Her mother insisted she memorize it in case she ever got lost.  They later moved back to Almont to help with the family farm.

When Lenny was in junior high school her family moved to Richland, Washington.  In Richland she enjoyed going to the roller-skating rink with her friends.  It was there that she set eyes on the most handsome guy she’d ever seen.  Robert Wayne Joyner was to become her future husband.  Wayne, as she called him, was an Army MP stationed at Hanford. They were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho December 11, 1954.

Lenny cherished her family and friendships.  For over 30 years she worked in the men’s department at JC Penny’s. While there many of her co-workers became life-long friends.  Her extended family stretched across the US. She thoroughly enjoyed writing and receiving letters. Many recipients of her wonderful hand written letters have remarked at how they enjoyed that correspondence. She was also always up to date on the current events within her circle of friends and family.

Mom was very generous with her time and talents.  She enjoyed making hand stitched baby quilts as well as the process of selecting the fabric and hand sewing a quilt for each special recipient.  It was her special way to welcome these little ones to our world. She also enjoyed baking.  Her bread machine was a favorite of hers and she’d make bread and start the dough for fabulous cinnamon rolls.

Mom also loved gift giving.  Possibly more than anything.  She was known for giving gifts for every Holiday.  Valentines day to Christmas.  Yes, even 4^th of July!

She also enjoyed connecting with family.  Her travel adventures took her to North Dakota, North Carolina, Texas and Oregon to visit friends and relatives. Several once in a lifetime travel opportunities took her to Hawaii and Norway.  She fondly remembered her Hawaii travels with her sister, Arvella; daughter Candace and grand daughter, Rachel; and her trip to Norway with her dear friend Reidun.

Lennys was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Selma Peterson; brother’s Lester and Lawrence Peterson; and sister, Arvella Stauffer.  She is survived by her son Steve (Susan) Joyner of Bellingham, WA and daughter Candace (Leroy) Squires of Graham, WA; nephew Kevin Stauffer of Pullman, WA; 5 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and numerous cousins.

Memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association – P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22166-7023.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for later this spring.