Belva Joyce McRoberts

On January 2, 2025, 7 weeks after the passing of her husband (Belva) Joyce McRoberts, 83 passed away after years of suffering from Cancer and Dementia.

Joyce was born in Salmon, Idaho on July 31, 1941 to Denzel and Jean Stevens (Hutchinson). She was the 2nd of 6 siblings. It was early in life that Joyce became determined to make something of her life. Her childhood was not easy but also one she did not complain of. She knew making the life she wanted was up to her and blame was not part of her vocabulary. Determined she was and determined she did!

Joyce graduated in Idaho from Twin Falls High School. From there she graduated from Twin Falls Business College where she met and married Darrel in 1961. They had 3 children: Wally, Angie (Craig) and Doug. Joyce loved time with family. Her 3 children married and added 9 grandchildren to the family: Michele (Kenny), Auston (Samantha), Heather (Kenny), Tabitha (Glyn), Joshua (Lynnsi), Kyler (Brittney), Tyson (Keilee), Isaac (Bri) and Elle (Dominique). Her grandchildren then added 17 great grandchildren: Kayden, Carter, Blake, Ava, Lucas, Maddison, Harvey, Adriana, Ryan, Maci, Amelia, Callum, Baker, Kamdynn, Thomas, Oakley and Benjamin.

Darrel's career moved the family from Idaho to Illinois, Washington, Minnesota and back to Idaho in 1980. Throughout those years Joyce was very involved in the life of her family and had various jobs within the school districts of her kids and in accounting, bookkeeping and payroll. She was always involved in politics. Joyce was a State Senator for the State of Idaho for a greater part of the 90's. At the time of her service as a Senator she became the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the Legislation when she was elected as the Majority Leader. After stepping down from the Majority Leader she served on the JFAC committee. Next, Joyce was appointed Director of Region V office of the Department of Health and Welfare. She served on the State Board of Education. Then she was appointed Idaho State Deputy Director of Health and Welfare. Then she served on the Board of Medicine. Amongst her peers she was thought of as someone who would get the job done, she listened and knew the system. She was firm and when she said, 'this is it, then you might as well bank on it because that's the way it was going to be!". She managed her family in the same fashion. We were told from an early age, if you don't like something, then change it! She pushed us hard to be our very best and was always there to back us or give us a push when needed. Joyce loved to travel with Darrel, her kids and her grandchildren. She had a bit of gypsy in her and was always thinking about the next place she wanted to live or home she wanted to buy. It was important to her to always be evolving and improving. If you needed something taken care of or done, Joyce was the person to have on your side.

She was preceded in Death by her parents, Denzel and Jean, sibling's: Janice, Donna and Ed and her husband, Darrel.

She is survived by her children: Wally, Angie (Craig) and Doug, 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her sister, Pat and Brother, Ron.

We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Renaissance Senior Care and Honey Bee Hospice in Dillon MT. where Joyce resided for the past 13 months of her life and where Angie lives. Their constant, love, support, knowledge, care and availability made this journey more manageable and even fun at times.