In loving memory of
Ellen Joyce Pinnt
May 6, 1936 - April 25, 2026
Ellen "Joyce" Pinnt, 89, of Redmond, Washington passed away April 25, 2026, at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington. Joyce was born on May 6, 1936, to parents Adolph "Hub" and Mary (Smart) Asmussen in Wenatchee, Washington.
Joyce grew up participating in 4-H Club in Mansfield, Washington. She was awarded blue ribbons at the Douglas County Fair in Waterville with exhibits of sewing, baking, and animals. Joyce graduated from Mansfield High School as Valedictorian in 1954 and attended Central Washington College of Education. There she met her spouse of 70 years, Larry Pinnt. Joyce and Larry married in Ellensburg on March 17, 1956.
Larry entered the Air Force after his ROTC graduation from Central in 1956. He was assigned to Japan. Joyce travelled solo from Mansfield to San Francisco by train, and then she sailed for nine days to Japan on military transport to meet Larry in Yokohama. In 1957, they welcomed Suzanne at Nagoya Air Base in Japan. Douglas was born in 1958 at Johnson/Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. After moving to the Seattle area, Nancy joined them in 1959.
In 1966, the family moved to New Providence, New Jersey. While there, Joyce worked as a substitute teacher and playground aide at Lincoln Elementary School. On the East Coast, the family toured museums and historical locations. Joyce was intrigued by colonial artifacts and architecture and used similar features while designing and decorating subsequent homes.
Joyce and Larry travelled to every state and enjoyed trips and cruises to several foreign countries. Joyce valued these opportunities to visit with family, meet new friends, and explore diverse cultures.
Joyce always had a heart for helping people in the community. In the 1970's she helped to organize the Woodinville Clothing Bank and volunteered at the food bank. Her love of 4-H inspired her to lead a neighborhood club when her own children were eligible. With a passion for sewing, Joyce created quilts for family, Lutheran World Relief, and high school graduates at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. As president of the Bothell High School Music Boosters, Joyce organized successful fundraisers to benefit band, choir, and orchestra students.
Joyce's faith led her to attain a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Seattle Pacific University in 1984. She spent joy filled years sharing her knowledge of the Bible, teaching Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, and Confirmation at Wooden Cross Lutheran Church. Joyce also served as a leader, cook, and chaperone at many church youth events and retreats.
In 2009, Joyce and Larry moved to Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington where they enjoyed group trips and activities with friends. Utilizing her love and knowledge of flowers and plants, she chaired the Residents' Grounds Committee and volunteered at the Country Store.
Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Larry Pinnt, sister Norma (Richard) Wainscott, brother Daryl (Jan) Asmussen, daughters Suzanne (Royal) Hanson and Nancy (Ronald) Hanson, son Douglas (Jeannine) Pinnt, grandchildren Benjamin, Sara, Katherine, David, Kevin and Daniel, and great grandchildren Jeremiah, Samuel, Avery, Beckham, Madison and Eleanor.
The family requests that memorials be gifted to Lutheran World Relief.