Joyce Ilene Painter Wright, 83, died Oct. 9, 2014, at Arbor Village Assisted Living Facility in Kent, Wash.

She was born Nov. 5, 1931, in Montrose, S.D., to Herman and Rosa Painter. She attended Montrose High School where she was the first homecoming queen and graduated in 1949. She went to McKennan School of Nursing in Sioux Falls, S.D., and became a registered nurse in 1953. After moving west with friends to find careers, she met Forrest Wright; they were married Dec. 31, 1953, in Long Beach, Calif. From 1953 to 1973 she worked as a nurse and went back to school to become a nursing home administrator, which she did in both Seattle and Maryland. During her career she also worked with Shriners Hospitals to provide free pediatric care for children and was an associate member of the Washington State Nursing Association. After teaching Red Cross courses across Europe at various military bases, she took up residency in La Plata, Md., until 1993 when she returned to Seattle to watch her five grandchildren grow up. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and traveling.

She is survived by husband Forrest of Kent; sons Mark Wright and wife Brenda of Issaquah, Wash., and Michael Wright and wife Julie of Buckley; daughter Margaret Ann Wright of Enumclaw; brother Buster of Montrose, S.D.; sister Donna of Browerville, Minn.; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by brothers Glen and Melvin.

A memorial service is planned for 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Rd. S.E. in Maple Valley, Wash. 98038.

All may sign the online guest book at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.