Joyce Olive (McCombs) Thom, the daughter of William and Thora (Solberg) McCombs was born on April 11, 1932.  She died at the age of 81 years on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Joyce was raised in the home of her parents and graduated from Towner High School in 1950.  On October 15, 1950 she was united in marriage to Duane Thom in Towner.  The couple moved to Grand Forks while she attended Aaker’s Business College and worked at the Grand Forks Clinic.  They returned to the Towner area to farm and in January of 1955 she began to work as temporary help in the McHenry County Treasurer’s office.  She became deputy treasurer in April 1960 and was appointed to fill the treasurer’s unexpired term in September 1964 after the death of August Rieder.  She was elected Treasurer in 1966 and re-elected every term until her retirement in 2003.  She enjoyed working with the public, connecting with other Treasurers in the state and took pride in running an organized and friendly office.  She moved to Maplewood, Minnesota in 2007 to be closer to her daughters.  She liked to play bridge, crochet and make all types of handicrafts.  She became a Minnesota sports fan and watched the Twins, Timberwolves and Lynx.  She also enjoyed watching the birds that came to feed on her deck, especially the cardinals.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be missed by her family and friends.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Roger of Minot and James (Mary) of Bismarck; daughters, Mary (Richard) Betts of Maplewood, MN and Kristi of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Rykowsky of Bismarck, Heather (Pete) Jacobs of St. Louis Park, MN, Jason Thom of Bismarck, Emily and Andrew Betts of Maplewood, MN; great grandsons, Ian Anton, Brodey and Ayden Rykowsky all of Bismarck; sisters, Florence Dryer of Woodburn, OR, Doris Muir of Toledo, OR, and Agnes (Orrin) Iverson of Rugby; sister-in-law, Judith (Don) Anderson of Minot; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband; a sister, Marie Davis; and her parents.  

Memorials can be directed to Union Cemetery or 2^nd Story – Minor Social Club for Exceptional Person, Inc.

Joyce’s family would like to say ‘Thank You’ to the Anderson Funeral Home, Pastor Linda Wimmer, Wally Fretland, Zion Lutheran Church and ZLCW for helping with the service and reception.

Joyce was blessed to receive wonderful care from Terri Eggleston of Maplewood, MN, Allina Home Hospice and Home Helpers (Theresa and Tanya). They truly made her life comfortable and became good friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 23^rd, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Towner.  Pastor Linda Wimmer and Mr. Wally Fretland, officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Towner.