Joyce DeBard, 81, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Joyce was born on August 1, 1944, in Bremerton, Washington, to Christ and Irene Bendickson. She grew up in East Bremerton and graduated from East High School, where she proudly participated on the drill team.

At just 17 years old, Joyce married Charles Levin and began raising her family. Their sons, Monte and Kjell, were born in 1962 and 1964. The family later moved to a 20-acre property on Wildwood Road in Port Orchard, where Joyce embraced the country lifestyle she loved. Following her divorce, she worked multiple jobs to provide for her children, demonstrating the determination, strength, and resilience that would define her throughout her life.

Joyce later married Larry Vancil, and together they welcomed their daughter, Heather, in 1970. Her love for horses remained a lifelong passion. She raised and showed beautiful Arabian horses, rode in parades, participated in horse shows, and was active in several horse clubs. Farm life brought her great joy, and she cherished caring for both animals and the land.

In 1975, Joyce began her career with the Kitsap County Assessor’s Office, where she discovered a passion for real estate appraisal. Through hard work and dedication, she built an outstanding career that spanned 30 years. She retired in 2005 as Chief Appraiser. At her retirement celebration, her supervisor recognized her as a trailblazer for women within the department, honoring the example she set for those who followed.

Joyce later married Michael Tate, and in 1981 they welcomed their son, Adam.

An athlete in her younger years, Joyce played basketball and softball in recreational leagues and even spent a season playing on a women’s football team. She never shied away from hard work and carried that same energy into every aspect of her life. Whether tending her beautiful gardens, landscaping her home, caring for livestock, or working outdoors, Joyce found happiness in staying active and creating beauty around her.

Retirement allowed Joyce to devote more time to the people and places she loved most. She treasured time with her growing family, especially her 13 grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and joy. She also enjoyed traveling with friends, creating wonderful memories in destinations including Hawaii and Mexico.

Joyce had a deep love for animals throughout her life. She cared for horses, livestock, and beloved pets, and in her later years found special companionship with her faithful cat, Leo, and her horse, Julian.

In 2023, Joyce was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She faced the challenges of the illness with the same quiet strength that had carried her through every chapter of her life.

Joyce is survived by her sister, Carolyn Shively; her four children, Monte Levin, Kjell Levin, Heather Vancil, and Adam Tate; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her kindness, determination, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for her family.

Joyce will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother, a hardworking professional, a gifted gardener, a horsewoman, and a woman whose strength and perseverance inspired everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.