Joyce May Trout was born on February 1, 1939, in Yakima, Washington. She was one of six daughters born to Earnest and Ann (Crump) Minnick. Joyce lived with her family in Yakima until the age of four, when they moved to Vancouver, Washington. She graduated from Fort Vancouver High School.

Joyce met her future husband, Virgil Lee Trout, through mutual friends. Virgil had recently moved to Vancouver to attend college. After just a week of knowing each other, he asked Joyce to a dance, and they quickly knew they were soulmates. They were married on January 10, 1958, in Vancouver, Washington.

Joyce and Virgil relocated to the Santiam Canyon, where Virgil was from, to begin their life together. They were blessed with three children: Tony, Brenda, and Bev.

Joyce was the heart of her home, known for preparing delicious dinners and bringing her family together around the kitchen table each night. Her cooking was especially loved, favorites included her fried chicken and homemade cinnamon rolls. When her children were younger, she worked in the cafeteria at Santiam High School in Mill City where she could share all the love she put in her cooking.

She was an active and dedicated mother, leading Cub Scouts, Blue Birds, and Camp Fire Girls. Joyce had a lively spirit and could often beat her children's friends at games like Around the World or pool.

Joyce cherished family time, attending family reunions in Washington, camping at the Oregon Dunes, and visiting the family cabin on the Alsea River. As a grandmother, she eagerly got down on the floor to play, remaining just as devoted and present in her grandchildren's lives.

A talented oil painter, Joyce operated "Oil and Saw" for many years, attending art fairs alongside Virgil. During that time, they made many lasting friendships, traded artwork, and shared their talents widely. Today, Joyce's pieces can still be found in restaurants, homes, and shops. She painted everything from six-foot saw blades to small light switches, each adorned with her beautiful landscapes and nature scenes.

Joyce was skilled in nearly every craft imaginable, even creating themed costumes for Virgil. He often joked that if he didn't wear socks, Joyce would paint his feet.

Joyce and Virgil were active members of their community, participating in organizations such as the Jaycees, a couple's bowling league in Stayton, and later, Meals on Wheels. Joyce worked in the kitchen preparing meals while Virgil delivered them. In every sense, they were a team.

Virgil passed away on February 14, 2019. Joyce later moved to Marion Estates in Sublimity, and two years ago, relocated to Willowcreek in Salem.

On April 6, 2026, Joyce was reunited with her soulmate.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Lee Trout; grandson, Jose Moreno; and siblings, Wanda Brumfield and Jeanette Dorney.

She is survived by her children, Tony (Naomi) Trout, Brenda (Michael) Thompson, and Bev Ginsbach; siblings, Edith Minnick, Janice Clough, and Louise McAllister; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

At her request no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Meals on Wheels or Serenity Hospice.