Joyce Lust

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Laverne Lust

(Blumenschein) on October 12, 2018 in Spokane, Washington, at the age of 91.

Joyce was born on March 6, 1927 in Colfax, Washington. She lived most of her life in the quaint town of Endicott, Washington, and moved to Spokane in her later years. Joyce is remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a humble woman of extraordinary talent. Her faith and love of family and music were defining pillars of her well-lived life. She had an innate musical gift, and although her family did not own an instrument when she was growing up, she was able to play piano by ear and learned note-reading by practicing on a piece of cardboard with drawn-on keys as a child. At the young age of 13, she started her post as Trinity Lutheran Church's pianist and organist, and she continued in this role for an astonishing 68 years.

In 1945, Joyce married Wayne Lust. They shared six children and 55 years of marriage until his passing in 1999. Starting as high-school sweethearts, their relationship was a life-long love story for the ages.

In addition to music, Joyce was an avid gardener, seamstress, and cook. She outfitted her six children with impeccably-hand-made clothes. Flowers were another specialty, and at all times of year you could find something blooming in Joyce's home. Her kitchen was always a bustling place-with frequent requests for Lust "wurst," the german sausage the family was famous for. Joyce took great joy in feeding the stomachs and souls of her large family which included six children: Connie (Steve) Taylor, Coeur d'Alene, Dan (Sandee) Lust, Davenport, Deanna (Read) Smith, Spokane, Gayle Lust, Spokane, Randy (Char) Lust, Yakima, Jim (Michelle) Lust, Felton, Del .; 15 grandchildren: Melissa, Brianne, Brandon, Adam, Brett, Tyler, Dawn, Jason, Jeremy, Katie, Casey, Jonathan, Joseph, Amber, Noah; 18 great-grandchildren: Emma, Abby, Nadia, Avery, Marin, Kaeleigh, Easton, Hudson, Lilamarie, Anika, Tristan, Orlando, Marcellus, Quincey, Olivia, JJ, Scarlett and Madeline. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and George Blumenschein; her brothers, Kenneth, Harvey and Ray Blumenschein; and her husband, Wayne Lust. Joyce's biological mother, Mary Blumenschein (Morasch) passed giving birth to Joyce.

In more recent years, Alzheimer's took a toll on Joyce's mind and body, but her love of Wayne, family and music seemed faithfully and steadfastly etched on her heart-still inquiring about Wayne's whereabouts until words failed her, and greeting family with a loving, sweet smile and humming a familiar tune up until her very last day. 

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this difficult time. Special thanks to the staff and residents of Rockwood Memory Care Center, who provided comfort, care and companionship to our beloved Joyce over the last several years. Joyce is already dearly missed, but we know Wayne has been patiently waiting for her, and we take solace that her passing brings her peace. Love you always.

To honor mom's memory, a celebration of life will be held November 9, 2018 in Endicott, Wash., at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Alzheimer's Association or the Endicott Cemetery. Online guest book at bruningfuneralhome.com.