Joyce passed away of natural causes May 7, 2017 while staying at the Fleur De Lis adult care facility in Kennewick Washington. Joyce was born September 22, 1926 in Steptoe to Arlo and Frances Sever, residing there on the farm with her two sisters Mary Lee (McInnis) and Janet (Riek). Many years were spent hiking Steptoe Butte which was owned by her uncle Virgil McCroskey, who later donated it to the State. She graduated from Colfax High School in 1944 and soon after married Robert Leinweber. They raised two daughters, Diane and Marcia and farmed most of their lives in the Parvin, Pullman, and Wilcox areas. They moved to Colfax in 1966, but their love for the country side drove them back to a farm house near Endicott in 1970.

As the wife of a farmer, Joyce took on many tasks of homemaker, mother and cooking for the farm crews that helped get the crops in during harvest. She loved having a large vegetable garden, which involved canning for winter. Her flower beds were her pride and joy, always saying that flowers should be appreciated by the living-not so much after they are gone. We always made sure she had fresh flowers by her side. Other hobbies included sewing both garments and quilts, crafting, traveling, boating and fishing. Certain sports drew her attention; she loved watching the Seahawks, WSU football, and Gonzaga basketball. For several years they owned a lake place at Sun-Up Bay on Lake Coeur d' Alene. She and Bob were members of the Road Runners RV group enjoying many adventures throughout the Northwest. They were also member of the Antique Engine Club where they displayed vintage rebuilt engines at many fairs and shows. Joyce worked as a switchboard operator in her early days, as well as a dietician at Whitman Hospital in Colfax when Marcia was in college.

Preceding her in death was Robert her husband of 61 years, her daughter Diane, grandson Jeff Leander and sister Mary Lee. Joyce is survived by her daughter Marcia (Tom) Morris, sister Janet Riek and grandchildren, Julie (Doug) Womack, Tammy (Rick) Role, Lori (KC) Kerker, and Anthony (Kate) Morris and ten great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at the Bruning Funeral Home Chapel in Colfax on Thursday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Thrifty Grandmothers in Colfax. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax has been entrusted with arrangements.
On-line guest book can be found at www.bruningfuneralhome.com.