Elizabeth L. Joyner of Sedro Woolley passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2008, at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington.
Beth was born on July 1, 1919 in Manila, Utah, to parents Frank and Ella Peterson Smith. She spent her childhood years in southern Idaho. In 1936, her family, consisting of parents plus seven children, all traveled in a pickup truck to Hamilton, Washington to make their new home there. This move enabled Beth’s ill mother to enjoy the milder climate and enabled her father to obtain work in the woods.
Beth attended high schools in Hamilton and Sedro Woolley.
She was married to Allen B. Hanson in 1938. They were parents of four children; Claudean, Darlene, Errol, and Fabyn.
Beth was employed at Northern State Hospital from 1947 until it’s closing. She then worked for the Welfare Office in Mount Vernon.
She later married Robert Joyner, and both being retired, they were able to make several memorable trips. Beth loved to travel by auto and enjoyed seeing all the beautiful sights and scenery.
Beth was the Leader to the Silver Spurs 4-H group for many, many years. These were some of her happiest times. She loved all the kids and she had many fond memories of trail rides, campouts, rodeos, and play days. Two different years, the group rode horseback over the Cascade Mountain Range to Stehekin, on Lake Chelan, and then back across the mountains to home. She also was one of the founding members of the Sedro Woolley Riding Club.
Beth loved horses and rode them up until she was 80 years young. She would go without herself, if needed, in order that her horses were well fed and cared for. Of all the horses she owned over her lifetime, her very favorite was her dabble grey, named Smokey. She rode Smokey in many Loggerodeo Parades and over many mountain trails. She accumulated a large horse figurine collection.
Beth enjoyed her family and especially loved times spent with them on horseback rides and camping. She preferred being outdoors and she especially enjoyed the mountains and all the greenery Western Washington has to offer. She also enjoyed gardening and working in her yard. Her favorite color was red and you would find her each Saturday night watching her favorite TV program, the Lawrence Welk Show. She looked forward each month to having lunch with her friends in the ’39ners group.
She is survived by children; Claudean Davis-Gary Talbert; Errol Laurie Hanson; and Fabyn Pat Hanson. Grandchildren; Cheryl Perkes, Carol Al Scherf, Brett Hanson, Bill Cathy Kerr, Bob Cadance Kerr, Patti Jim Bishop, and Troy Hanson. She had 11 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. She also leaves a son-in-law, Jack Kerr; a sister, Mae Cover, brother-in-law, John Hanson, two sisters-in-law; Velma Caulkins and Bernetta Oliver, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Beth was predeceased by husband, Robert Joyner, daughter, Darlene Kerr, son-in-law, Eddie Davis, the father of her children, Allen Hanson, her parents, five brothers, and four sisters.
Beth was always supportive of children and their activities. Memorials are suggested in her memory to The Boys & Girls Club of Sedro Woolley, PO Box 947, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or to your favorite charity.
Happy trails, Mom, we love you.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to follow at the Lemley Chapel on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with a reception to follow at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center.