Obituary for Joyce “Rockie” P Ustick. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Matriarch of our family, Joyce “Rockie” P Ustick, on March 15, 2026, at her home in Jerome, Idaho. She was called home to be whole again and to be with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, after a 7-year fight against Cancer. 
Mom came into this world kicking and screaming (I’m sure of it) on August 30th, 1947, in Chicago, IL, the eldest child of Juhl Kauffman and Juanita Boyer Kirkland. They moved out West when Mom was very young. She attended Elementary School in Hailey, ID, and Washington and Salmon, ID. Her Senior year landed her in Carey, Idaho. That is where she met and fell in love with fellow Senior Ron Peterson. They were married in 1965. Of this union, 3 beautiful children were born. Michelle (Shelly), Troy, and Shawn.
Mom and Dad shared many snowmobile adventures with Larry and Joyce Peterson, Bob and Vicki Bruner, and several others. Mom and Joyce Peterson (Larry’s wife) used to race snow machines on oval tracks back in the “good ole days. I guess they were quite good at it. I know Mom had plenty of trophies from them!! Mom enjoyed many camping and bottle-hunting trips with Dad, his brother Buzz Peterson, and his wife Carol. She would always come home so happy with the treasures she found. She always wanted to dig somewhere! She was always happy to go but not a fan of some of the not so “safe” trails uncle Buzz would take her on. But she sure loved talking about the memories she made.
While Mom and Dad lived in Carey, and all of us kids were pretty much out of the nest, Craig Adamson talked or conned (not sure which) Mom into becoming an EMT on the Quick Response Unit in Carey! After that, mom was hooked! She eventually became an advanced EMT. Mom was the biggest High School rodeo fan. She was the mom of all moms! When she entered the arena as the C-EMT, Wendel Johnson would announce, here is our own C-EMT, Cowboy Emergency Medical Technician! Even if you didn’t want her there, she was there. “Pull your pants down, take off your shirt, I’m going to look at it, “she would say. Mom worked on the Carey QRU and Blaine Country Ambulance until she and Dad divorced and she moved to Jerome. 
After moving to Jerome, she volunteered for the Fire Department and joined the St. Benedict's Ambulance Service. Mom moved on to the Magic Valley Paramedics and retired from the St. Luke's Paramedics. I know Mom worked at other Ambulance houses, but I don’t remember them all. Being an EMT was her calling. She was proud of the time she served, those she served and worked with, and the patients she took care of, and hoped she made a difference to all.
Jerome is where she met and fell in love with Rick Ustick, and they were married for 20 years of wedding bliss. They loved Glamping in style! Pulling their camper around, sharing sunrises and sunsets, mountains and trees, the birds singing, and that fresh cup of coffee in the mornings. Once in a while, a great-grandchild or 2 would be there with mom, having her “chicken” hair as the grandsons called it. 
Mom was at a loss when Rick was diagnosed with Cancer. She was his caregiver and stood by his side, taking care of him until he passed in 2018.
Dan Kennedy came into Mom’s life at the right time. I do believe God has a plan. She found happiness one more time. She found laughter and her smile! They shared many Karaoke nights, long nights, and short mornings. Mom loved to sing, which, coming from a musical background, I can’t imagine why! Mom loved going for their drives, watching BSU games, and rooting for her Dallas Cowboys! and making fun of Dan’s Sea Chickens! Dan would always go along with whatever shirt she bought him for the occasion. Bless his heart! 
Christmas was moms’ favorite time of the year. She would go above and beyond for everyone and her kitties! And her SNOWMEN!! But 1st and foremost, it was about Jesus Christ our Savior. 
Mom always spoke her mind, from her lips to God’s ears. Mom was our mom~ but she was a mom to many, and we were proud to share her. She was a stranger to none and a friend to all.
Thank you to Dan for all your love, care, and support for our mother. And Sammy, thank you for being the best friend to our mom~ she loved you like a sister.
Thank you to Horizon Health and Hospice and Emily Jones~ your care and love, words cannot express our thanks enough. You went above and beyond. 
Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rick Ustick, her brother Richard Kauffman, and her son Troy Peterson.
She is survived by; her children: Shelly (Tom) Fairfield, and Shawn (Trina) Twin Falls, her brothers: Lenny Kauffman-ID, Tim (Christy) Kauffman- NC, Fred Kauffman-NV, Scott Kirkland-OR, and Mick (Sherry) Kirkland-ID, her sisters- Arlene Kauffman- FL, and Kathy (Bill) DeMartini- CA, her grandchildren- Tucker (Alex), Tackett (Andy), and Jasper (Nicole), Taylor, and great-grandchildren- Cadden, Trevyn, Lakelynn, Jaxon, and Henley.
A Memorial Graveside Inurnment will be held at the Jerome Cemetery on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Snake River Elks Lodge #2807, 412 E 200 S, Jerome, ID 83338. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray's Jerome Memorial Chapel