by Alex Harris
Chapter 8
Neighbors began arriving for the service for Joyce. Cars were parked all along the driveway, in the yard, down the main road, and people were being bused back to Bear Ranch by a tractor--drawn wagon. Chairs had been arranged in the near pasture under the shade of the cottonwood trees. A three piece band played some of Joyce’s favorite songs as people began milling about. Ranchers from around the valley came in their best attire, more cowboy hats were present than at the Prescott Rodeo, boots were spit polished, and Levis had a sharp crease.
Rod and his son greeted folks and received condolences and offers of help. Summer, Marlowe, and Oriole moved among the mourners shaking hands and hugging neighbors they hadn’t seen for several months. Chalcey watched from the sidelines not quite sure what she should or should not be doing. The band finished Amazing Grace and the guitar player, John Peterson, took the microphone. “If y’all would find a seat, we’re ready for Summer to start. Summer, you want to come on up here?”
Summer wore a dark blue, ankle length dress of chiffon with a matching lace jacket. Her normal braid was replaced for the occasion with loose flowing curls that cascaded down to her waist. The sun caught her snow white hair creating an angelic halo. She mounted the make--shift stage to deliver the eulogy for her long time friend.
“Thank you all for coming to honor the life of our friend and neighbor. Rod asked if I would deliver a few words about Joyce as I knew her. Then I’d ask any of you who want to share some of your experiences and stories about Joyce to come up and speak.”
“There is someone I want you to know. She was known by many names: Mom, wife, neighbor, singer, teacher, healer, and of course, friend. She was warm and friendly and open to helping anyone who crossed her path. In the midst of chaos she reigned calm. When cool wasn’t cool, she was. During a crisis or family tragedy, she analyzed the situation, developed alternatives, and provided leadership.
This woman was a great singer. Her voice rang out in the church choir, at the opening ceremony for the Rodeo, for weddings, for funerals, and for the fun of it. If you ever had the pleasure of helping her in her garden, you would have heard the melodious strains coming from the corn patch.
This woman was a rescuer. There were always injured, lost critters on Crimson Ranch. She hardly ever had to call the vet for help with their recovery. But animals were not the only ones rescued by Joyce. As I look out at this gathering, I see Billy Williams, whom Joyce found beaten and more dead than alive, took him in, put him to work and got him on his feet and helped him get a job down the road at Hardin Ranch. I see Milly and her three kids Joyce helped find them a place to live and a job and helped keep the kids in school.
This woman loved animals. Crimson produced champion milk goats, blue ribbon rabbits and prize winning chickens. Rod would come home from work and never be surprised to find another breed or species moving into the barn.
This woman loved her state and even more Yavapai County. She volunteered for only those projects she believed in: and that was everyone that had to do with the armed forces, freedom, the fine arts, and growth opportunities for young people.
This woman was touched by God. God touched her heart and she found Rod. She in turn touched the hearts and souls of many in her quiet unassuming, nonjudgmental style. In looking out at you today and how many came to honor her, she would be humbled at having touched your lives and probably would have said “ah shucks” to see so many.
This was to have been the best time of Joyce and Rod’s life. Neal had just been commissioned in the Air Force; Rod had just retired to work full time on the ranch. And Joyce was going to slow down a little and only plant an acre of garden this year!
And maybe this is the best time in her life-she’s with the little girl Rod and Joyce lost at birth, all the critters that have gone on before, and her parents, but most of all she is home with God.
Our hearts are heavy because we miss her--her smile, her laughter, her love, her comfort, her calm, her friendship, and her presence.
Know that Joyce is always with you in her son and soon to be grandchildren, in the garden you plant and harvest, in the people and animals you rescue in her memory, and in the song you sing.
Know that she loves all of you and she is most happy when you are happy and caring for and about others.
Know that she sends comfort to you through Christ our Lord and that comfort will see you through hard times and sad times and will help you through your pain today and tomorrow.
I will miss my friend and neighbor Joyce and
To honor her, I will help someone or something every day
To honor her, I will be a terrific neighbor
To honor her, I will encourage others to serve their community
To honor her, I will do more for my community
To honor her, I ask you to remember the good in Joyce Albright.
Thank you. “
Summer finished the eulogy, folded her speech and looked out at the gathering. Even the toughened ranchers were dabbing at their eyes as tears spilled out. Others began to stand in line to speak of the lady they came to honor. When the last person sat down and the band played Wind Beneath My Wings, the mourners adjourned to the buffet Chalcey, Marlowe and Oriole had arranged on the patio.
Fred and Oriole found Marlowe in the kitchen making up more iced tea. “Marlowe, we swung by the office and Joan gave us the will. Do you know if Lisa was considering divorcing Phil?” Fred helped with the tea by getting ice from the upright freezer.
“As I told you, some things are attorney client privilege. You saw that the will was just signed on the 15th of May, two weeks or so back. You saw she disinherited Phil. That’s all I can tell you. However, there are others who can give you more information. Have you spoken to Summer, Betty or maybe Tom her accountant? Each of them will have another perspective to provide. Let’s get this iced tea out there before they find the hard stuff.”