Joyce Elaine Belden-Rank

Feb 24, 1959 -

Aug 13, 2023

Joyce, 64, was called home to be with her Savior on Aug. 13, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Joyce was born on Feb. 24, 1959, in Palmer, Alaska, to Melvin and Charlotte Belden. The family homesteaded in Wasilla, Alaska, in 1958. She is the seventh of 10 siblings: Gene Belden (Reggie), David Belden, Dennis Belden, Connie Landowski, Ronnie Belden (Lynda), Floyd Belden (Rose), Cheryl Belden, Kathy Grandorff (Brian) and Kristy Harvey (Karl).

She is survived by her husband, Roy Rank of Wasilla. She is the mother of five children, being survived by Robert Snider III (Somer), Thad Snider (Alexandra), Annette Born (Justin) and Crystal Snider, whose father, Robert Snider II, preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 2023. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Charlotte Belden; brother, Dennis Belden; and son, Jeremiah DeSilva.

Joyce lived life to the fullest, was known for her spiciness and, in her own words, went for the gusto. She was a phlebotomist, loved art, painting, needle work, dancing, hunting, fishing, collecting heart rocks, playing pinochle and enjoying the racetrack and motorcycle riding with her husband Roy.

Her mother wrote these words in her brother's Bible that she gave to her after his passing: "Joyce, may this Book be of help to you. I know Dennis would be proud of you. May his strength give you health, courage, and faith for each day of your life."

All the things her mother wrote and hoped for her years ago are now realized. She found faith in Jesus Christ in 2015, when her sister shared the Gospel with her. Her courage was seen throughout her life, especially in the last two years. And she is now in perfect health, and we can only imagine the joy she is experiencing being face-to-face with Christ and reunited with those who have gone before her.

This Scripture describes her well: "I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Joyce's Celebration of Life was at King's Chapel in Wasilla, on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.