Joyce Marie Artemis, 67, passed away Thursday May 14, 2009 from the loving arms of her family to the welcoming embrace of her Lord and Savior who had prepared a place in his Father’s home especially for her, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joy was born August 24, 1941 in Los Angeles to Beth and Basil Worthen. After her family moved to Colorado, she attended Golden High School and the University of Denver. It was in Golden that she met the love of her life and future husband, George Artemis, whom she married October 15, 1960. After being blessed with a beautiful daughter and future valedictorian Stephanie, and a wonderful son and future state wrestling champion Andrew, they decided to move to Salmon, Idaho in 1972 to enjoy small town life in an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains, wildlife and generous, friendly people. A country girl at heart, she and her husband built a home on a ranch outside of town where their children were raised and their grandchildren entertained. Joy worked in the Salmon school system as a secretary for 30 years at Pioneer and Brooklyn schools before retiring in 2002. She truly enjoyed her job as it enabled her to be involved in and play a part in helping to shape the lives of hundreds of children. With unconditional devotion to her husband, children, family, community and friends, combined with talent, intellect and a passion for educational and personal enlightenment, Joy profoundly touched the lives and hearts of all who knew her. After retirement, she focused her attention on the lives of her son and daughter and her five grandchildren, which she took great pride in, her artwork, and also to the llamas she raised on their ranch. Joy loved crafts and quilting and was quite accomplished at both. She was a Past President of the Salmon Arts Council and active in both gardening and quilting groups. Having married a man who was a former wrestler and football coach, she also became an ardent wrestling fan and lifelong supporter of the Denver Broncos, while she transferred her love of fishing and the outdoors to him. She loved to travel and made many trips with family to Greece where lifelong memories were made. Family heritage was important to Joy, and she made sure that each of her grandchildren was able to accompany her and George to Greece to visit historical sites and connect with distant relatives. She also enjoyed trips to the Oregon coast with her husband and friends, and vacations with her grandchildren to such varied places as Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Alamo, Las Vegas and Disneyworld. Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her husband George S Artemis of Fairview, TX and Salmon, ID; daughter Stephanie Winfrey of Allen, TX; son Andrew Artemis of Sparks, NV; five grandchildren, Charlie V, Brynna and Benjamin of Allen, TX, and Michael and Lacey of Sparks, NV; one brother and two sisters including Robbie Smith of Salmon; numerous nephews and nieces; and many wonderful, devoted and loving friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joy’s memory to the Salmon Arts Council 200 Main Street Salmon, ID 83467, or to the charity of your choice.