Joyce Darlene Lentz departed this earthly world on Monday, November 6, 2023 with her husband of 62 years and family by her side. They were surrounding her with all their love as she took her last breath. We trust now that she has been greeted and welcomed to the other side by family and friends who have crossed before her.

Joyce was born on April 2, 1943 to William and Nora Stegin, she was the third youngest daughter of four girls. She began dating the love of her life, (K.R) Bob Lentz, in 1955 and on August 19, 1961, they became husband and wife. Before taking on the duties of fulltime motherhood, Joyce was employed at Douglas Bakery and later in life she did some waitressing at the Moose Lodge. Together, Bob and Joyce had some fun times and created some great memories. For a brief time, they resided in Red Deer, AB before returning to Medicine Hat where they planted their roots. Along the way they welcomed two girls into their family. First to arrive was Sherry in 1963 and then five years later in 1968, Debbie completed the family.

Joyce lived a simple life, in today’s day and age she might be called a minimalist. She didn’t need much, and she didn’t ask for much either. It took very little to make her happy, give her a cup of coffee, a cigarette and a few dollars for the casino and she was good to go! Bob would have given her anything and taken her anywhere and all she wanted was the comforts of her own home. They did go on the occasional trip and spent family summer vacations at Flathead Lake, MT which she enjoyed and she also looked forward to returning home. What brought Joyce the most joy was the little things in life, her grandkids, great grandkids, the evening phone calls from her sister,  Kooper visits (4-legged friend who made her laugh) and hanging out in her recliner watching her favorite shows. Joyce would often say, “I’m spending the day in my office.” This was especially true when curling was on as she wouldn’t leave her chair all day. She even had socks that said, “Don’t bother me…curling is on.”

Joyce could be described as someone who was hard to get to know. We would often say she had a hard shell with a soft inside. If you were one of the lucky ones who got to know her you would have seen that she was fun, caring, loyal, very loving and would do anything for you. Joyce was a woman of few words and she could also be a great conversationalist. She was wise, would tell it how she saw it and her instincts were usually bang on. One thing we saw shine through over the years was her witty sense of humor. Some of the one liners she came up with were priceless.

February 27, 2023, mom began her cancer journey. She faced the diagnosis and all of the tests, treatments, scans, appointments and medications head on with so much strength, courage and resiliency. Every step of the way she had her devote husband by her side and her family cheering her on. Dad was absolutely amazing taking care of her every need! Even though mom didn’t like to be doted on she was very grateful and appreciative of everything that dad did for her. Unfortunately, mom’s cancer spread and she was moved to Carmel Hospice where she was cared for with the utmost compassion until her passing. The move allowed for dad to return to being her husband, even though he still wanted to be the caregiver he knew she was in good hands and right where she needed to be. As mom lived out her last days dad kept saying she is on her journey and that she was and in the end she did it her way. Bob wants to express how very grateful he and the family are for the care Joyce received and would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Martin Wong, Dr. Amaro, the staff at Margery E. Yuill Centre, Home Care/Palliative Care and Caramel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home. From the bottom of our hearts…Thank You!!!

Joyce was a daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma, great grandma and friend who will be deeply missed by her husband, (K.R) Bob Lentz; daughters, Sherry Charlton and Debbie (Keith) Lutz; grandchildren, Ashlea Charlton, Keaton Lutz (Amber), Brayden Charlton, Konner Lutz, and Kaid Lutz; great grandchildren, Aiden Charlton (who had an extra special place in GG’s heart), Ashton Christman, Adric Christman, Amethyst Christman and Stetson Lutz; and sister, Lucille (Emanuel) Schile.

Joyce was predeceased by her mom, Nora Stegin; her dad, William Stegin; and two sisters, Beatrice Heller and Lois Dimmer.

Joyce left her family with many great memories right through to the very end of her life. These memories will be cherished forever and ever Amen. We Love You and we will look for you in the stars above. We will see you shining back and know that you are watching over all of us.

A private family Graveside Service will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Joyce’s memory may be made to Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710, 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1, 1-866-412-4222, albertacancer.ca/in-memory or Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.  Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Joyce Lentz.

• Date : 2023-11-06
• Location : Medicine Hat,AB.

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