Joyce Ann (Rode) Huyck
April 3, 1950 – May 2, 2026

Joyce Ann (Rode) Huyck passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of 76, after living with cancer since 1998.

Joyce was born on April 3, 1950, in Monroe, Washington, to Louis and Rose Rode. When she was young, her family moved to Klamath, California, where her father went to work for Simpson Timber Company. She attended Klamath Union Elementary School, graduating in 1964, and later graduated from Del Norte High School in 1968.

Growing up in Klamath, Joyce experienced both the beauty and challenges of life on the North Coast. Her family survived the floods of 1955 and 1964 that forever changed the Klamath area. Following those floods, her father built the family home on the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean near DeMartins Beach, a place that remained special to Joyce throughout her life.

It was in Klamath that Joyce met the love of her life, Regan Huyck, while he was stationed at the Klamath Air Force Station. Their relationship continued during Regan’s military service, including time spent in Turkey. Joyce and Regan were married on March 8, 1969, and shared 57 years together.

Following his military service, Regan went to work for Simpson Timber Company. Together they built a life in Klamath and raised their family there. In 1976, they purchased the former home of Margaret Keating in the Redwood Park Subdivision, where they created many lasting memories.

While raising her family in Klamath, Joyce dedicated countless hours to the children and families of Margaret Keating School. She served as PTA President for many years, was an active room mother, and volunteered wherever she was needed, including the annual school carnival and many other school activities.

Joyce was also a dedicated 4-H cake decorating leader who shared her talent with local children for many years. Known for creating beautiful cakes, she enjoyed teaching others the skills and creativity that went into the craft. She later became co-owner of the Klamath Glen Bakery alongside her friend Julie, and together they became known for their Steelhead Sourdough Bread.

Joyce and Regan were active members of the Del Norte County Rod and Gun Club, where they enjoyed trap shooting with friends and family. Joyce was also a member of the Elks Lodge.

One of Joyce’s favorite places was the Klamath River, where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also loved visiting DeMartins Beach, especially to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Whether at the river or the beach, she found peace and happiness in the beauty of the place she called home.

Family life was always important to Joyce. Alongside her brother Louis, the family raised cows and chickens, creating many memories through hard work and time spent together. Joyce was never afraid to get her hands dirty and do whatever needed to be done. She was proud of the life she and Regan built together and especially proud of her daughter, Barbara.

Following the closure of the Simpson mill in Klamath, Joyce and Regan relocated to Korbel in 1989 and later made their permanent home in McKinleyville. While leaving Klamath was not easy, they built many lasting friendships in both Korbel and McKinleyville. Over the years, those friends became like family.

Joyce and Regan also shared a love of golf. Joyce was an active member of the Beau Pre Women’s Golf Group and enjoyed traveling to tournaments with friends. One of her proudest accomplishments was scoring a hole-in-one at Beau Pre Golf Course.

Joyce lived with cancer for nearly 28 years. She faced it the same way she faced everything else in life—with determination and without much complaint. She often said, “God does not put anything in front of you that you can’t handle,” and she lived by those words throughout her journey. Another favorite saying was, “Don’t worry, be happy,” a simple reminder that reflected how she approached life and the challenges that came her way.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Rose Rode; her brothers, Louis Rode and William Rode; and her sister-in-law, Linda Rode.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Regan Huyck; her daughter, Barbara Parsons, and son-in-law, Scott Parsons; her brother, George Rode, who remained an important part of her life; her sister-in-law, Lisa Rode; granddaughter Megan Parsons and her son, great-grandson Justyce Johnson; granddaughter Brittney Duckett and her husband, Jon Duckett, and their sons, great-grandsons Kayden, Lucas, and Kevyn Duckett; grandson Stephen Parsons and his wife, Katie, and their son, great-grandson Emmett Parsons; nieces Vicky VanSanten Olson and Susan VanSanten Rode; honorary nieces Krista Haban and Jenna Haban; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

As many will remember, Joyce often ended conversations with a simple phrase:

“Love you more.”

In keeping with Joyce’s wishes, she was cremated through Ayres Family Cremation. The family is not planning a formal service at this time. If a celebration of life is held in the future, information will be shared with family and friends.

The family sincerely thanks everyone who offered support, prayers, cards, meals, phone calls, and friendship throughout Joyce’s journey.