Joyce E. Middlebrooks passed away on July 13th 2016 at the Great Falls Peace Hospice after a decade long battle with COPD at the age of 84.

Joyce was born October 30th 1931 in Great Falls, Montana to Earl D. Mckenzie and Lula Shaddox.
As a child, one of her fondest memories was whenever her father, David Mckenzie would take her out flying in one of his airplanes at the Great Falls Airport.  He would perform spins, stalls and loops and she loved it all. She also greatly enjoyed traveling by train to visit her grandparents, the Leipsic’s of Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the summer months.

After graduating High School, Joyce attended college in San Bernardino, CA and New York to study art.  In 1953, she met and married Bob Middlebrooks and had two children, Robert and Peggy. They were later divorced.  In 1974 she met and married the love of her life, David B Lee.  Although their marriage ended, their life bond remained unbreakable and they remained inseparable until the end.

Joyce was a Great Falls business owner and over the years owned the Beckman Building, Valet Cleaners, and Rocky Mountain Music.   She was an avid gardener. One of her happiest accomplishments in gardening was the exchange of different species of Iris, for over a decade, with Dr. Rodeoninko of the Botanical Institute in Leningrad, Russia.   Joyce’s other hobbies and interest included doll collecting, art and music.  She was an avid reader and a master needlepoint hobbyist, winning several first place awards at the Montana State Fair over the years.  She loved all of her pets of which she had many and even raised malamute sled dogs in her spare time.

As per her wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home.  A small private ceremony will be held for close family and friends for the scattering of her ashes.  Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Middlebrooks and four Grandchildren.   Joyce was preceded in death by both her parents, her first husband Bob and her son Robert Middlebrooks.

Joyce loved all of God’s creatures and donations are suggested in Joyce’s name to the PET Pawsee P.O. Box 6491 Great Falls, MT 59406.

 Service Information