Thursday, April 16, 2020
Joyce Opal Bakel
Oct. 18, 1933 – Aug. 3, 2018
Joyce “Jo� Bakel, born to Ray and Belle Cunningham in Baldwin, Kansas, died peacefully in Centralia, Washington at the age of 84. Joyce's life was enriched by her many friends and family. She was an artist, painter, musician, songwriter, poet, and above all, a devoted wife and mother.
Joyce was the energy behind the success of Cripple Creek Music in Ashland Oregon until her retirement in 2002, twenty-six years of helping people to improve and enjoy their lives with music and song.
During the 1940s Joyce traveled the country with her father, mother, and four siblings as “The Wanderers of the Wasteland�. With Joyce playing guitar and singing, they performed in grange halls, churches, schools and on radio.
Joyce was married March 17, 1954 to Ralph Bakel who passed away in 1997. They moved their family to the Rogue Valley in the late 1960s.
Joyce is survived by her two sons, Garin Gary Lee Bakel of Medford, Oregon and Rex Alan Bakel of Centralia, Washington, as well as extended family Janet Garner of Centralia, Washington and Lionel Cunningham of Medford, Oregon.
Her cheerful presence and fun personality will be missed by many. Joyce, may you rest in peace, yours was a journey well traveled, a song well sung.
