Joyce Yvonne Ralston

Joyce Yvonne Ralston, 96, Petersburg, ND, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND.

Joyce was born on November 4, 1929, the daughter of Harvey and Dee (Balsley) Appeman. She grew up in Bartlett, ND, and graduated from high school in Lakota, ND. She married Donald Ralston on June 27th 1948. They made their home on a farm near Petersburg where they raised five children.

Joyce was a homemaker and helped on the farm. She had a big garden and beautiful flower gardens. She was a wonderful cook, baker and canner. She was a member of the Petersburg Curling Club, Civic Club, and Ladies Aide. She loved to cross stitch and always had coffee and cookies ready for company. She was a great pinochle player, loved to play bingo with friends, and always enjoyed a trip to the casino.

Joyce is survived by 4 children, Cindy Pladson, Grand Forks, Steve & his former wife Jan, Petersburg, Kent (Mary), Dahlen, ND, and Lisa (Dan) McCarty, Huron, SD; 10 grandchildren, Jeannie (Tracy) Schar, Scott (Kathryn), Josh, Tressta (Taylor) Kunkel, Katie (Mickey) Berry, Eric, Kyle, Kody, Pat (Dana) McCarty, and Kelly McCarty (Nate Schenkel); 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild due this summer; sister, Janice (Jerry) Hess, Duluth, MN; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don; her oldest son, Terry and his wife, Donna; her son-in-law, Gary Pladson; and an infant grandson, Jeffry.

Joyce’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with visitation from 10-11 a.m., at Petersburg Lutheran Church, Petersburg, ND.

Burial will be held at the Petersburg Cemetery, in the spring.