Montesano resident Joyce Marie Balog passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA, on June 23, 2026. She was 71 years old.

Joyce was born on September 1, 1954, in Aberdeen, WA, to Grant Goldman and Carolyn Mowry. Growing up in a military family, she spent her early childhood living on the East Coast until the fifth grade, when the family moved back to Montesano, WA. She later relocated to Vancouver, WA, where she graduated from Columbia River High School in 1972. Joyce lived and worked in Vancouver alongside her husband, Steve Balog.

Following his passing, she sold her house and moved back to Montesano, purchasing a home together with her mother, enabling her to be closer to her family.

Joyce loved creating beautiful things, and her hobbies reflected that. An avid gardener, she spent countless hours nurturing her Dahlias and other prized plants, always ensuring her mother had a vibrant, blooming garden to enjoy right outside her window. Joyce and her mother, Carolyn, also shared a passion for cardmaking; together, they crafted intricately detailed, miniature works of art that showcased their deep creativity. She especially enjoyed celebrating holidays and hosting family and friends. Christmas was a favorite, and she transformed their home into a festive holiday showcase, featuring several trees decorated with her cherished collection of Hallmark collectible ornaments.

Joyce is survived by her mother, Carolyn Sammons of Montesano, WA; her brothers, Randy Goldman of Montesano, Grant Goldman of Westport, Ronald Sammons of Albuquerque, NM, and Rob Sammons of Knappa, OR; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Grant Goldman, and her husband, Steve Balog.