Joyce Adeline (Johansen) Crabb

Joyce Adeline (Johansen) Crabb, 91 of Superior, Montana has joined the throngs of angels and her sweetheart Gene Paul Crabb. Joyce left this life peacefully on March 8th, 2023 in the Mineral Community Hospital of Superior, Montana.

Those who knew Joyce know the gift she had for writing, photography and storytelling.

Joyce was born May 5th, 1931 to Olaf and Magnhild Johansen in Stady, North Dakota. Their family moved to Idaho in 1935. She spent the majority of her childhood and young adulthood in Idaho. She often shared memories of living near the river in Vay. Her dad would spend many hours fishing, and would later recall days on the family homestead outside of Sandpoint, ID with “mom” teaching the girls the skills they would need for their own families one day. Her love for our Heavenly Father was fostered at a young age by her mother and grew as she learned more of the stories from the Bible and attending church with the Crabb Family…little did she know she would one day be a part of Gene’s family and Gene heirs. What she did know without a doubt was that she was a daughter of God and lived in such a way.

Joyce attended Seneacquoteen School where her love for reading and books began. She later graduated from Priest River High School. As she grew so did her faith and eventually a relationship with Gene Crabb. As they say the rest is history. They were married on October 22, 1950 by Gene’s Dad, Clarence D. Crabb.

They then  spent several years in Idaho after marrying and welcomed four children (Steve, Kelly, Brian, and Tamara) before moving to Superior. After four years they found their forever home up Sunrise Creek and welcomed their fifth and final member Jim to the Crabb Family. Their legacy continued today as their children married, giving them loving grandchildren and great grandchildren (17 & counting). Joyce & Gene made a wonderful life up Sunrise Creek. They celebrated life, family and always grew and expanded their gifts and talents.

Joyce was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 3, 2006. She later served as a 2nd counselor and secretary in the Relief Society, a primary teacher and devoted visiting teacher. Gene and Joyce were sealed for time and all eternity in 2015 after his passing. She was so grateful for the knowledge and blessing of eternal families. She relished the chance to share her love and knowledge of the gospel and never missed an opportunity to testify of God’s love for us all and all of his creations.

Joyce never missed an opportunity to photograph a memory, and always remembered to “Savor the day”. She had a passion for genealogy and worked tirelessly to gather records and memories for generation to come. Though she was a shy woman her camera gave her super powers and nobody was off limits not even the bears! It was fun to see her in her element. If you were ever in her presence and her camera was there which it probably was, I promise there is a photo with the date and your name recorded on the back. She made a point to keep exceptional records and journals.

She loved a good toe tapping tune, sunbathing, fresh watermelon and walks on the property, always bringing back a treasure that she had found along the way. If you came to visit and didn’t show up with a big ol’ chocolate bar there could be serious trouble, she would make sure you knew it.

Joyce is survived by children:  Steve (Cheryl) Crabb, Tamara Wippert (James Huberty), Jim (Karun) Crabb, Danielle Crabb; grandchildren:  Charles (Stacy) Crabb, Matthew (Stacy) Crabb. Kaylee (Tom) Richards, Mackenae (Chancey) Crabb, Amanda (Aaron) Disbrow, Shawness (Justin) Chilcott, Ashlee Brissette-Crabb and numerous great grandchildren.

Waiting in the wings for her arrival were her husband of 64 years Gene Paul Crabb, children:  Kelly G. Crabb, Brian A. Crabb; sons by marriage: Richard R. Jackson, Shannon D. Wippert; Grandson:  Caleb M. Church, Parents:  Olaf & Maghnild (Andreassen) Johansen, 10 Siblings.

A memorial will follow later this spring. In Lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions may be sent in Joyce’s name to Pool in the Park, PO Box 93, Superior, MT 59872.

“Savor this Day, it will never come again.” ~J.A.C April 2015

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