Joy Ruth Vail Sisler

 Joy Ruth Vail Sisler passed on June 21, 2023, in Emmett, ID; the longest day of the year cut short.

  Born in South Hampton, New York on August 6, 1946, to Chester H G Vail and Leah Merchant Vail. Joy was the youngest of four daughters, all whose names start with “J”. The family moved to Garden Grove, California when Joy was an infant, back to New York in 1951, then back to Santa Barbara, California in 1959. Mom had many fond memories of her teen years on the beach and swimming horses in the ocean.  In 1969, Joy moved to Ketchum, Idaho for family and work, then came to Emmett in 1971 for an opportunity with Sears and stayed.

  Joy married Jay Sisler in July of 1978 and their daughter, Maggie, was born a year later. Mom’s days were full with horses, gardening, canning, baking, and engagements for PTA, Art Moms, Cowbells, Gem Co. Historical Society, Idaho Mule Assoc., and 4-H. Her daily quest was trying to “fatten up” my hard-working Dad, it never worked. Everyday there were at least three meals a day, everything on the table was real food and mostly homegrown by her.

  In 1995 Jay died in a farm accident. With that Joy added full time cattle, irrigating, and some haying to her duties.  She took a seat on the Water District 65 and Gem Soil and Water Conservation District Boards and was able to keep a portion of the land Certified Organic. Mom was determined to keep the ranch going. Sometimes we both had cereal for dinner. The days were long, and both the tears and the smiles made things grow. With help from amazing neighbors and strong friendships she continued to run the ranch until her struggle with Parkinson’s made her stay inside.

  Joy found pleasure in her days spent outside with the animals, fighting weeds, and now and then a little fishing. She took a job with Thunder Mountain Line and rode the train each weekend, she had joyous friendships there. Always up for fun and adventures- ready to go, even if no one else would! If you are wishing to do something for her in memory, then do something for fun- even if you think there is no time for such or it’s foolish!

  Joy leaves behind her daughter Maggie (Jason Brown); grandsons, Ira and Henry; her remaining 3 sisters; Judy Simpson, Jane (Alan) Moline, and Joan Wilkins; numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses- many of whom where her greatest friends and grown-up playmates.

  A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Emmett Cemetery, Emmett, ID. Service arrangements are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel, Emmett, ID. 

All friends and family are invited to gather afterwards at Bissel Creek Meadows, 5601 W Black Canyon Hwy, for a visit and potluck lunch.  If you have a photo of Joy that you would like to share, we will have a display you can add to there.

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