Joyce M. Anderson, age 76 of Starbuck, died at home on June 13, 2026 at Holly Ridge Manor. A Memorial Service Celebrating Joyce will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19th at the Lowry Community Covenant Church in Lowry with Pastor Andy League officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, June 18th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

Joyce Marilyn Blair was born on February 1, 1950, in Glenwood, MN, to John "Ermel" and Helen (Tyler) Blair. She grew up on the Blair Pony Farm north of Glenwood alongside her three siblings. As a girl, she attended Lake Reno Reformed Presbyterian Church with her family, and her faith remained an important part of her life throughout the years. Joyce attended school in Glenwood and graduated in 1968. That fall, she enrolled at Ritter's Beauty School in Fergus Falls, where she earned a degree in cosmetology. Before starting her family, Joyce worked as a cosmetologist at House of Styles in Glenwood.

On June 24, 1972, Joyce was united in marriage to Dale Anderson at Glenwood Lutheran Church in Glenwood. Together they made their home on Dale's family farm west of Lowry, where they milked 38 cows and raised hay, corn, soybeans, and their two sons, Cullen and Barry. Joyce worked side by side with Dale on the farm and took pride in the life they built together. She also worked part-time at Blairview Saddle Shop and later at the Country Vet Clinic, both of which reflected her love of horses and rural life. They attended Oscar Lake Lutheran church where Joyce was active in the ladies' group and helped teach Sunday School when needed. County Fair time was always special to her, and she enjoyed watching her sons, and later her grandsons, show their 4-H cattle at the fair. Family was everything to Joyce and she cherished every minute spent with her kids and grandkids.

Horses were always a big part of Joyce's life. She started riding ponies when she was very young and could often be found in her families' pony barn growing up. She was a long-time member of the Waska Riders Saddle Club and enjoyed dressing up and riding in numerous shows and parades over the years. She especially looked forward to participating in the Waterama parade each summer. In 1989, she served as the club's Queen, and in the fall of 1989, she was crowned Miss Congeniality at the Western Saddle Club Association champ show. One of her favorite highlights from that time was riding in the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Joyce and her family often brought their horses to spring and fall trail rides when her kids were young. They made many fun memories together camping and spending time with extended family and friends.

In 2007, Joyce and Dale moved to Farwell and later divorced. After a car accident left her unable to walk, she moved to Holly Ridge Assisted Living in 2011, where she received help with her daily care. She passed away unexpectedly at Holly Ridge on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the age of 76.

Joyce is survived by her two sons, Cullen (Angie) Anderson of Lowry, and Barry Anderson of Farwell; her two grandsons, Tate and Tavin Anderson; her sister, Judi Demaray of Bloomington; her brothers, John (Lynn) Blair and Ted (Sue) Blair, all of Glenwood; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ermel and Helen Blair, and her brother- in-law, Lyman Demaray.

Joyce will be remembered for her 13 years of volunteer work at Glacial Ridge Health System and for the cheerful, outgoing personality she shared so freely with everyone she met. Joyce was truly a people person, and her smile and positive attitude left a lasting impression on family, friends, and neighbors alike. She knew how to have fun and brought joy to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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