Dec. 31, 1930 - July 21, 2015
Joyce Beverly Webster Shelver Thornhill, loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, niece, and cousin died peacefully on July 21, 2015 in Carson City, Nevada at the age of 84. Joyce is survived by her three daughters: Candi Ruf of Carson City, Nevada, Tami Ruf (Brian) of Reno, Nevada, and Kimberly Hubbard of Tucson, Arizona; stepson Gary Thornhill (Mary) of Incline Village, Nevada and step daughter Judy McConville (Frank) of Tampa Bay, Florida; adoring grandchildren Marshall, Brandon, Taryn, Delanie, Ethan and Alannah and step grandchildren Joseph (Kelly) and Spencer Thornhill. She is preceded in death by her parents: C.E. “Whitey” Webster and Dena Webster, and husbands: Lyle Newcomb Shelver and Russell Thornhill.Joyce was born on December 21, 1930 in San Jose, California to Whitey and Dena Webster. She graduated from Glendale Sanitarium as a registered nurse. She set sail for Hawaii, Australia, Tahiti and Figi as a ship’s nurse for Matson Navigation Lines where she met and later married Lyle N. Shelver on February 12, 1961. After living in the San Jose area for several years, they moved to Reno, Nevada in 1972 where they established roots and raised their three daughters. While nurturing the Shelver girls, she also spent many volunteer hours as an executive board member of the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, Assistance League-Reno Sparks, and Meals on Wheels. Joyce spent the majority of her nursing career as Director of Nursing for local skilled nursing facilities where her dedication and love for the nursing profession ensured compassionate, quality care for many individuals, young and old. After retirement in 1997, she and Lyle moved to Minden, Nevada where Lyle passed away.Joyce’s retirement years were busy ones. She enjoyed traveling to exotic locations such as Egypt, Jordan, Israel, China, and Hawaii. She belonged to a birthday group of close lady friends and spent time with her grandchildren. In 2001, Joyce married longtime family friend Russell Thornhill and moved to Carson City, Nevada. They spent 15 wonderful years together traveling the United States and the world and spent time at Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, and Italy with their children and grandchildren. During this time, Joyce became active in the Ruby Rascals Red Hatters and the La Tea Da knitting group who donated their hats, scarves, baby blankets, lap robes, and shawls to local hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. What most will remember about Joyce is her love for family and friends and her commitment to staying in contact with all who touched her life. Whether it was a written note on a hand-made card or a phone call, she always let her friends and loved ones know that she was thinking of them. Many will treasure their gifts of her handmade jewelry, weaving, and knitted scarves.A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, July 30th at 11:00 AM at Mountain View Mortuary at 425 Stoker Avenue in Reno, Nevada. A reception will follow at the California Building at Idlewild Park. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joyce’s life. The family would like to thank Right @ Home in Home Care and Assistance and the staff of Carson Tahoe Hospital for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada (605 Washington Street, Reno, Nevada 89503) in her name.