Joyce passed away February 14, 2016 in Redding, California. She was born in Evelyth, Minnesota to Eino Haapala and Senya Khatayamaki. She was adopted by Elsie Niemi Haapala, Eino’s second wife. Due to her father coming to the U.S. as a legal immigrant from Finland, at 2 years of age, Joyce became a first generation American.
She spent her youth in Virginia, Minnesota. When she graduated from high school she married the love of her life LaRocque Creighton. Their marriage lasted for 65 years until his passing two years ago. Joyce cared for their children while Rocky attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota. They lived in Warroad and Cass Lake, Minnesota where Rocky had accepted teaching positions. Eventually they came out to California where Rocky taught for Shasta High School and then went on to employment with U.S Plywood in the research lab and finally with Shasta County Assessor’s Office until he retired. When her youngest child (Janet) was four years old she went to work at Weisfield Jewelers and then Wonderworld Department Store. She eventually gained employment with Shasta County Welfare Department, where she did various secretarial court clerk duties until she retired. Joyce and Rocky retired the same day.
Joyce and Rocky enjoyed many years of retirement during the summer months in Trinidad, on the California coast.
Joyce was preceded in death by infants Richard and Marsha. She is survived by Susan Creighton Clavel of Carmichael, Ca; Mark Creighton of Burns, Oregon; Joan Phillips of Anderson, Ca; Barry Creighton of Anderson, Ca; Nancy Christensen of Arlington, Oregon; and Janet Giles of Cottonwood, Ca. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Lawncrest Memorial Park (1522 E Cypress Ave, Redding CA 96002) on Friday, February 26th at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow.
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