Joyce Elna (Fitz) Ashpaugh passed from this life on November 15, 2009 at the age of 67. She was born January 31, 1942 in Higgins, Texas to Norva Dale and Flossie (Kernes) Fitz.
Joyce grew up in the Bishop Community, south of Podunk, Oklahoma and attended the Bishop Grade School. In 1955 the family moved to Satana, Kansas living there for five years before returning to Bishop. Joyce attended Arnett High School graduating with the class of 1960.
Shortly after graduation Joyce was united in marriage to Gene Ray Ashpaugh. The ceremony was held on the family farm in Bishop. Their family grew with the addition of their two children, Marty Gene and Trudy Renae. For the first five years of their marriage Joyce and Gene made their home in Arnett and later Shattuck. In 1965 they moved to Higgins, Texas to Joyce's grandmother's place where they have remained until her passing.
Joyce had a real enthusiasm for life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked alongside Gene in their business for many years. She took great pleasure in spending time with her family; taking the kids snow skiing or to the lake for some water skiing and fishing. She could often be found outdoors tending her garden.
Joyce was a longtime faithful member of the Higgins Church of the Nazarene. She was baptized on February 8, 1998. She enjoyed singing and having fellowship with her church family.
Joyce was a dedicated volunteer for her community. She worked with the Higgins Ladies Fire Auxiliary and the Higgins Fire Department. After obtaining her ECA training she volunteered with the Higgins Ambulance Service.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Norva Dale Fitz.
Those remaining to cherish her memory are spouse, Gene Ashpaugh of Higgins, TX; mother, Flossie Fitz of Shattuck, OK; children, Marty Ashpaugh and wife Torie of Elk City, OK and Trudy Lamb and husband Kenny of Follett, TX; grandchildren, Stetson Ashpaugh and wife Jessica of Canute, OK, Caleb Ashpaugh and Seth Ashpaugh both of Elk City, OK, Trai Burt of Kingston, OK and Renae Burt of Andrews, TX; great-grandchildren, Blayne and Hunter Ashpaugh of Canute, OK; sisters, Nina Fagala and husband Dee of Gage, OK, Vaudie Smith and husband Byrl of Gage, OK; brothers, Norvie Fitz and wife Elva of Shattuck, OK and Rod Fitz of Kingston, OK; by many nieces, nephews, other family and a lifetime of friends.