Mary "Joyce" Ruple

Mary "Joyce" Ruple died on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 at the Libby Care Center. She was born on Feb. 24, 1932 in Conrad, Mont., the daughter of Henry Thomas and Cathryn (Edwards) McCracken. She grew up and attended school in Shelby.

Joyce and her husband, Cliff Boucher had a plumbing business in Kevin, Mont. in the 1950s. She came to Libby in 1961 and started the C & L Plumbing and Heating Business. Later, in 1973, she started Tech Refrigeration, which she owned and operated for 25 years until her retirement in 2002.

Business was her life. She worked hard and was good at it. She was an adept, astute businesswoman. Her bookkeeping skills were amazing. Without a computer, she could tell you the model of the appliance you bought from her, when you got it, and details you didn't even know or remember just from her spiral notebook. She worked in a man's world; she could drink and swear with the best of them.

She was outgoing, a good storyteller and, had a unique sense of humor. In her younger years, Joyce bowled, crocheted, was a good cook, and had a green thumb. She was a character. People loved to be around her when she was in good mood and hated to be around her when she was in a bad mood.

Joyce was a devoted daughter. As her parents aged she made sure that they were well cared for and visited them daily at the Care Center.

She was a thoughtful, loving sister and aunt. She was proud of her son, Richard and his accomplishments. Her real joy in life came from watching her granddaughter, Laura Jean Shull grow into womanhood.

She spent a lot of time working with and for the Elks organization. She was the first "Lady Elk" of Libby.

Survivors include: two children, Richard Shull and his wife Betty of Colville, Wash. and Sandy McKee of Billings, Mont.; siblings Madonna Wood of Libby, Henriette Brumbaugh and her husband John of Libby, and Stanley McCracken and his wife Patty of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Laura, Jennifer, and Jason; and three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We miss her.

Private family services are being held. Local arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.