Sharing Thoughts and Memories

Reverand Shirley Knight Casa Grande, Arizona

I was sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a friend and my Seminary Roommate for four years. We had so much fun together. She found joy in everything from finding as empty bird nest for a children's sermon to going to Taco Bell for supper on Sunday nights as our dorm dining room was closed.

She was so talented musically I was always amazed and impressed. One of my favorite memories is how sometimes she would be sitting on the edge of her bed and have her hand placed like she was playing the piano. She played for our group choir. I would say “ You know there is NO piano there?” She would say “ The music’s too high, I’m changing the key for them.”  She could sit there and hear that music in her head and change the key!  I am a non-musical person – couldn’t believe she could do that, but I know she did! Simply amazing.

She was always up for a adventure so we saw the sights of Kansas City.

But she loved God and was active in the practice of her faith. Some Saturday nights we went to the local Catholic Church and Friday nights to the Jewish Synagogue to listen to the Canter sing as he had a great voice.

She is probably organizing the choir and hopefully playing the piano too!

To my dear Roomy! Reverand Shirley Knight….

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Grace Thomas Roseville, California

I was sorry to hear of Pastor Joyce Cann-Caspell. When she was the pastor at Bay City UMC, I was the Organist.

Because I had just recently taught myself to play the organ, she, also an organist gave me lots of good advice.

I bought a Baldwin piano for my home. (Owning a Baldwin had always been my dream.) So I gave the piano I already owned to the church. The day the piano arrived at the church, Joyce and I had a “Jam session”, she on piano and I on the the organ. What a beautiful memory!

Although I am now 92 years old, I still play both organ and the piano. I put on a monthly “show” on the piano here where I live. Please extend my condolences to Joyce’s family and to all those who loved her.

Sincerely, Mrs. Grace Thomas

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Denise Harrington Garibaldi, Oregon

Dear Family of Joyce,

This morning I look back on the wonderful years I spent with Joyce, from our first meeting in Ontario, Oregon in 1997, to our last visit, in September of 2025, when she played the piano for us right here, in the Bay City Methodist Church.  For years, the kids and I would come and listen to her sermons. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed and inspired to be a better human.  I imagine some of her flock seemed more attentive than others, but that never stopped her, she loved us all and knew that in our own ways, we were all listening to her message: that loving and accepting each other as we are is the way to go.  Back home, it was all about family which was our first priority.  She supported me through the toughest time of my life, as a role model: a strong leader, a giving homemaker, and a friend. 

Back at home, whether it was in eastern Oregon, with the dreaded goats heads, along the Columbia River, where we played in the wake of the barges, or here in Bay City where we watched the birds eat the blueberries, she was just as connected to her natural environment as she was to the humans that inhabit it. Her recipe of song, nature, love, and weak coffee cooked up enough joy to last a lifetime. Her ripple will carry on. 

I'll miss you Joyce. 

Love Denise

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Catherine Wilson Jordan Valley, Oregon

There are so many great memories and fun times when she was in Jordan Valley. She was God’s Angel!

Will be missed.

God Bless-

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Verleta DuPuis  Bay City, Oregon

Deepest Sympathy for the family of Joyce, she was such a great friend and neighbor.  And I will miss the Caspell's.

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Pat Best Santa Clarita, California

I was so sorry to learn of Pastor Caspell’s passing. My husband Dale was the one who really remembered her. He told me how she brought a portable organ to Chapman Avenue School in Gardena (California – circa 1960’s) for the music session. He loved that and she even gave him the organ one time when we visited her. I really enjoyed visiting her and am so sorry she is gone but am very glad she is with her Savior!

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Nicole Kinsey Jordan Valley, Oregon

Thank You for always being there for me and thinking of me and doing little things and big things for me all the time. Like taking me to recitals or letting me stay with you and simply being there for me. I appreciate everything you did and love you very much. You were just like a second grandma, in fact you are!

Love, Nicole

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Marilyn Reynolds Kennewick, Washington

So glad we got Joyce married and back to Bay City!  It was good back at the "Beach."  Such a beautiful place.  Thankful to attend the service and feel closure on our relationship.  We loved Joyce and Don so much!

Love, Marilyn

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Karen & Stan Bower Rockaway Beach, Oregon

I always enjoyed visiting Joyce and Don at 5 Rivers and Always enjoyed the Organ Joyce played at church!

Stan & Karen

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Phyliss Ross Boise, Idaho

I'm sorry I am unable to attend the memorial for Joyce.  Joyce and I were best friends when we lived in Jordan Valley and had a lot of adventures together.  I did the music for church for her and she helped a lot with my school music productions.  We both played weekly in the adult beginning band at Treasure Valley Comm. College  and traveled to many of my music a activities in ID, OR and CA.  We had fun going to McDermott and Jackpot to test the slots and had to be low key as Local Pastor and school Vice principal  but we only got caught once.  Everyone loved Joyce and she did such kind and generous things like providing breakfasts for needy kids at church and having Sunny Delight for anyone who needed a pick me up.  She was always ready with a helping hand. I'm sure she is keeping things lively now and I wish her comfort and joy as she waits for me.  Blessings to you all.

Phyllis Ross