Joyce R. Sponheim

Joyce Rosemary Sponheim, 77, passed away at her home on May 5, 2023, after a long battle with several health issues.

She was born July 21, 1945, in Kansas to parents Harley Stroop and Jessie Rosalie (Rose) Turnbough. They later moved to Great Falls, MT.

Joyce attended elementary school in Great Falls, later moving to Belt where she attended school. She graduated in 1963 from Belt Valley High School.

After high school, Joyce moved back to Great Falls and worked at Blueprint and Letter Company, and Farmers Union Central Exchange until 1967.

In 1967 she married Donald (Spoon) Sponheim, and together they managed the Crystal Lounge inside the Park Hotel until purchasing the Maverick Bar in 1968. She loved being downtown. They sold the Maverick in 1976 and built Spoons Oneway Saloon where she remained until she sold and retired in 2009. Joyce was in the bar business for 41 years.

She was a longtime member of the Cascade Country Tavern Association and Montana Tavern Association. She loved travelling and attending tavern events with her special friends Barb Foster, Mary Jane, and Tom Heisler.

After retirement, Joyce was content to stay home with her dogs and enjoy her pool. She loved reading everyone their daily horoscope and loved silly jokes.

A special thanks to her sister Pam Stroop, and niece Becky Anderson for their kindness and care that allowed Joyce to remain at home her final years.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Donald (Spoon) Sponheim; parents Harley and Rose Stroop; brother Donald Stroop, all of Great Falls; and sister-in-law Donna Sponheim Polanchek of Fort Benton.

Survivors include stepchildren Danelle (Gary) Bell, Diana Jo Sponheim, and Dan Sponheim; sisters and brothers Carol Thurston, Bonnie (Bim) Johnson, Gary Stroop, and Pamela Stroop, all of Great Falls; her special Aunt Judy Stroop of Great Falls; five grandchildren Kerri (Joseph) Anderson, Kelly (Cortney) Sponheim of Great Falls, Danny (Therese) Bell of Virginia, Bill Bell and Jamie Bell, both of Montana; her puppies Tucker, Buckles, and Pee Wee; and many nieces and nephews, too many to list.

Memorials suggested to Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center 900 25th Ave NE, Great Falls, MT, 59404, or Benefis Peace Hospice, 2600 15 Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405.

A private Funeral Service will be held for friends and family on Saturday, May 13th at 11am. A Celebration of Life will follow at The Classic 50s at 1pm for all to come and celebrate Joyce’s life. Everyone is welcome.

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