Joyce Elaine Niemann

Joyce Elaine Niemann was born September 18, 1929 to Elmer and Elsie Olson of Key Center, Washington and passed away peacefully on March 8, 2021 in the home she was born in. Joyce graduated from Vaughn Union High School and shortly after married Charles Niemann Sr. on July 12, 1947. They lived away from Key Center for a few years but then returned home to take over SunnyCrest Farm from her parents. They raised four children, along with Hereford cattle and hay. They always kept the farm going strong and hosted many wonderful family gatherings.

Joyce, besides being a devoted wife and mother, worked many jobs over the years. Some of them included being a partial owner/cook at the Key Center Café, cook at Vaughn Grade School, fish marker at the local hatchery, librarian, and Pierce County election official. She also picked brush and huckleberries.

Joyce was very active in her community and was loved by all. She was a charter member of Vaughn Community Church and part of the Ladies Aide Society and later, a charter member of Historic Vaughn Bay Church. She was a life member and President Emeritus of the Key Peninsula Historical Society and Museum. She was a true historian of the KP. She was the treasurer of Vaughn Bay Cemetery Board and a charter member of Vaughn Garden Club. She loved flowers and at one point had over 100 roses growing on the farm. She could often be found in her garden or in the kitchen making delicious pies and other treats that she was famous for.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Cheryl; husband Charles (married 55 years); and three siblings.  Joyce is survived by three children, Charles Niemann Jr. (Vicki), Christopher Niemann and Noel Niemann, all of Key Center; Grandchildren Sam Baderdeen (Brenda), Dan Baderdeen (Paige) and Nicole Niemann- Carr (Tony); 4 great grandsons; 2 great, great grandchildren; sister Gail Sparks of California, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Nicole and Tony built their home next door to Grama Joyce 17 years ago and farmed with her and then gradually began to take over operating the farm. When Great Grandson, Colton was born, her days became devoted to him. Joyce will be buried at Vaughn Bay Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Key Peninsula Historical Society or Vaughn Bay Cemetery.

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