Joyce Sturdy
1933-2020
Joyce Elizabeth Sturdy passed from this life on February 19, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born in Lycan, Colorado on January 5, 1933 to James Luther and Ollie Belle Rice she is preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Earl Rice, Melvin Rice and sister Louise DuVall. Also preceding her in death is her husband Roy L. Sturdy and sons; Roy Leslie, James Donivan, Kenneth Lee and a granddaughter Elizabeth Sturdy.
Joyce is survived by brothers Donald Rice and wife Sybol, J.D. Rice, daughter-in-law Patti Sturdy, grandchildren Shawn Sturdy and Melissa, Jennifer Sturdy, Lindsey Harbaugh and husband Jake, Doug Sturdy and wife Haylee, Ryan Sturdy and Calvin Sturdy. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Kai Sturdy and Weston Sturdy along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
With her birth in a sod house, Joyce’s early beginnings were on the family farm. She attended school in Holly, Colorado and during her high school years was a percussionist in the marching band. In Holly she met the love of her life Roy L. Sturdy. They were married on August 28, 1950 and shared 54 years of marriage before his passing. In 1955 Roy and Joyce moved to Minneola, Kansas where they would raise their three sons and become involved members of the community and faithfully serve in the Minneola Christian Church for over 30 years.
Upon furthering her education, Joyce became a certified nutritionist. She was initially employed by the Minneola Nursing Home then later by the Minneola Public Schools as Cafeteria Supervisor. It wasn’t long until Joyce became well known for her cooking ability. From homemade pizza, to bierocks and cinnamon rolls Joyce could make them all. After Roy retired from Natural Gas Pipeline Company the decision was made to move to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to be closer to their grandchildren with whom they loved spending time. Joyce then continued her Cafeteria Supervisor capacities in the Oakdale Public School System for 15 years.
Joyce was a very warm and caring person who loved and served her Lord faithfully. Whether a Midwest Christian College student, a family member or friend, you knew you were always welcomed with a hug at the Sturdys’. Joyce was an excellent seamstress. From clothes to quilts to making Christmas stockings for her family she always had a sewing project. Showing up to help others, volunteering and doing whatever was needed was a lifelong theme. Joyce spent her final years at Heritage Assisted Living Center in Yukon, Oklahoma. She loved her friends there and enjoyed the many daily games, parties, special guests and just visiting with others. The family would like to thank Heritage for their care and support over these past years. Joyce will be greatly missed but her love and influence will live on. A Celebration of Life service for Joyce will be Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 10:00a.m. The service will be held at One Church, 8127 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, Ok. 73162. Flowers and donations may be sent to One Church.