Joyce Elaine Belden Snider

Joyce, 64, was called home to be with her Savior on August 13, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Joyce was born on February 24, 1959, in Palmer, Alaska, to beloved parents, Melvin and Charlotte Belden. The family homesteaded in Wasilla, Alaska, in 1958. She is the 7th of ten siblings, whom she dearly loved, Gene Belden (Reggie), David Belden, Dennis Belden, Connie Landowski, Ronnie Belden (Lynda), Floyd Belden (Rose), Cheryl Belden, Kathy Grandorff (Brian), and Kristy Harvey (Karl).

Joyce loved and touched the lives of many, and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Roy Rank, of Wasilla. She was the beloved mother of five children, being survived by Robert Snider III (Somer), Thad Snider (Alexandra), Annette Born (Justin), and Crystal Snider, whose father, Robert Snider II, preceded her in death on August 8, 2023. She is also survived by her precious and beloved 17 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, with two on the way, and by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Charlotte Belden, brother Dennis Belden, and son Jeremiah DeSilva.

Joyce lived life to the fullest, and in her own words, went for the gusto. She was known to be a woman of faith, hope, strength, and spiciness! She was a phlebotomist by trade, loved art, painting, crafts, needle work, singing, dancing, hunting, fishing, collecting heart rocks, playing pinochle and games, and enjoying the racetrack and motorcycle riding with her husband Roy.

Her mother wrote these words in her brothers Bible that she gave to her after his passing: Joyce, may this Book be of help to you. I know Dennis would be proud of you. May his strength give you health, courage, and faith for each day of your life.

All the things that her mother wrote and hoped for her years ago are now so true for our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She found faith and hope in Jesus Christ in 2015 when her sister shared the Gospel with her. An inspiration to many, her strength and courage were seen throughout her life, especially in the last two years. She is now in perfect health, peace, and rest, and we can only imagine the joy she is experiencing being face-to-face with Christ and reunited with those who have gone before her.

These words by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 describes Joyce well: I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Joyce's Celebration of Life was at Kings Chapel, in Wasilla, Alaska, on Monday, August 21, 2023.