Joyce Audry Ewest

April 25, 1940 – February 13th, 2026

The following is taken from Joyce’s memoirs.

Joyce Audry Ewest, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord at the age of 85. Joyce was small in stature with warm brown hair that was always impeccably kept. She was known for her spirit of gentleness, friendliness, conviction, and in keeping with her name, Joy. Joyce also possessed a strength of character and depth of faith that far exceeded her quiet frame.

Born on April 25, 1940, in Cottonwood, Minnesota, Joyce was the youngest of five children and affectionately known as “the baby” of the family. She grew up in the small towns of southern Minnesota during an era marked by simplicity and sacrifice. Her childhood was shaped by resilience. Her mother, who was paralyzed from polio as a young girl, walked using heavy braces and crutches, yet managed to raise five children with determination and dignity. Her father worked faithfully to provide for the family, and he never complained. From them, Joyce learned perseverance, humility, and the power of love expressed through action rather than words. As she grew older, when she focused her energies on a task, she was determined to complete it.

Joyce often reflected that while her early life included hardship and difficult experiences, God had His arms around her long before she fully understood His presence. Later in life, she came to know Him personally and credited Him with bringing healing, restoration, and peace, from some hurt and brokenness she experienced in her early childhood.

As a young woman, Joyce worked a variety of jobs, including grocery stores, restaurants, factory work, and food service. She purchased her first car,  a black and white 1957 Chevrolet, with pride and independence. Following the sudden loss of her father at the age of 58, Joyce continued forward with courage and resolve.

Joyce later married Glenn Leroy Ewest, and began what she considered her greatest calling, raising her children. Motherhood brought her immeasurable joy. She delighted in singing along to her records, playing basketball in the driveway, and nurturing her home. Her children remember her laughter, her competitive spirit during games of “Pig,” and her deep desire that they grow into loving, faithful adults.

At age 30, Joyce courageously sought treatment for alcoholism and maintained sobriety for 28 years, a testament to her strength and faith. Though she faced additional struggles later in life, she openly testified that God completely removed her desire to drink and gave her lasting peace. She described her recovery as a miracle and frequently affirmed, “God is good.”

Never one to give up on a dream, Joyce earned her GED as an adult and completed beauty school at Scott Lewis in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Becoming a licensed hairstylist fulfilled a lifelong aspiration. She worked for Great Clips and later managed had her own salons within the metro area within large nursing home.  She found special joy in caring for elderly residents. Joyce had a tender heart for older adults, offering not only her professional skills but companionship and compassion.

Throughout her life, Joyce believed in caring for others. She often said that when she gave love and support, more came back to fill her heart. Her faith deepened with the years, and placing God in charge of her life was, in her words, “the best thing I have ever done.”

Joyce treasured her family above all else. She prayed earnestly for her children and for their future spouses, desiring above everything that they would know enduring love. She took immense pride in her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family, thanking God for answering her prayers.

She was preceded in death by her parents Melvin Belshiem and Minnie Belshiem (Berg); her siblings Dean Belshiem, Don Belshiem, Darrel Belshiem, and Hilma Brown; and other beloved family members and friends who shaped her journey.

Joyce is survived by her children, Vicki and her husband Randy Nelson, Timothy Ewest and his wife Joanna, and Steven Ewest and his wife Elizabeth; her cherished grandchildren Haliee Walters, Carissa Hadsell, Nathan Ewest, Audrey Ewest, Theo Ewest, Andrew Nelson and Benjamine Nelson and fifteen greatgrandchildren as well as extended family members and dear friends who supported her throughout her life.

Joyce’s legacy is one of perseverance, redemption, compassion, and faith. Her story reminds us that healing is possible, that grace is real, and that no life is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

In her own words:

“God is good. God heard my prayers and answered my prayers. Thank you, God.”

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held in Spring, please contact the family for more information.