Joelita J. Acton

Joelita Joyce, “Joy” Acton, age 84, of Roseburg, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on
April 20th, 2024, after 10 days in the cardiac ICU following complications from a heart
valve replacement at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was taken from us far too
soon and had so much more life to live. She was born on December 12th, 1939, in
Portland, OR to the late Larry and Dorothy Hayteas.
Joy grew up in Portland where she attended and later graduated from the all-girls Catholic
Immaculata Academy in 1957. She later obtained a two-year associate degree from Multnomah
Junior College. One of her cherished memories of growing up was having the privilege of being the
Junior Rose Festival Princess in 1949.
Joy met Dennis while attending Multnomah Junior College in 1959. Their love story led to marriage
in 1962 in Portland. They later relocated to Corvallis so Dennis could continue his education at
Oregon State University. Following Dennis ’graduation, they moved to Roseburg where they settled
down and began their family. Joy worked at her parent’s stores, Larry’s Man Shop and Howard’s
Men’s Wear, while raising her children. After her children were grown, she worked at the Douglas
ESD, Fullerton IV Elementary School, and Mountain View High School in Bend, OR.
In her free time, Joy was passionately involved with the Jayceettes, where she formed many lifelong
friendships. Joy and Dennis continued to participate and attend many Jaycee events throughout her
entire life. Joy also attended the YMCA exercise classes followed by coffee at McDonald’s with her
friends “The Bunco Babes”.
Joy was affectionately known as “JoJo” to her five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many
others who were lucky to know her. The pride and joy of her life was being surrounded by her
family, hosting family dinners every Sunday and supporting every milestone throughout their lives.
In the last few years, Joy loved helping her daughters babysit her great grandchildren and being
involved with them as much as she could.
Joy had an infectious smile that lit up every room, and she always gave the warmest hugs. With her
great sense of humor, she literally and figuratively brought “JOY” to all those around her and made
friends everywhere she went.
Joy is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Dennis Acton. Joy also leaves behind her children
Colleen Fitzgerald (Todd) and Kellie Hunter (Chris), her sibling David Hayteas (Vicki), her
grandchildren Nick Fitzgerald (Ashley), Kylie LaBranche (A.J.), Courtney Fitzgerald, Alex Hunter
(Emily), Arica Pynch (Trent), and her great-grandchildren Roczen and Kiger Fitzgerald, Harlow
Hunter, Cooper and Lane Pynch.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 11th, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Melrose Vineyards.
Joy will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Raise a glass of bubbly to our sweet JoJo whom we
love so much.