Joyce Moore Rich, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and best friend, departed this world to be united with her beloved husband Donald in eternal rest on the evening of Wednesday, July 19, 2023 surrounded by her family at Salina Regional Health Center. Joyce's life on earth began July 2nd, 1930 at a farm home in Clark County, KS. She was the youngest of 6 children born to Henry and Ellen (Godfrey) Moore and grew up on their farm. Her parents instilled in each of their children the principles of love for family, setting of goals and the hard work required for achievement.
Joyce graduated with honors from Englewood High School and earned a two-year scholarship at Southwestern College, Winfield. She later earned third year credits at Kansas State University, Ft Riley and Salina. On June 30, 1962, she was united in marriage with Donald D. Rich in her parents' rose garden at their home in Dodge City. During their married life and in working years, Joyce and her family lived in Dodge City, Wakefield and Salina. After their retirement, Joyce and Donald lived many happy years at Kanopolis Lake, boating, water skiing, and fishing with their family. When Donald's health failed, they returned to Salina in July 1999.
After college, Joyce began her working years in the Dodge City law office of Governor Fred Hall when he launched his political campaign. When he moved to Topeka, Joyce entered U.S. Federal Service, combining over 35 years with the Social Security Administration, Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Army Readiness Group Ft Riley, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Milford Lake, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service and State of Kansas.
Above all, Joyce loved her family and her greatest joy was "grandparenting" -- being loving, active participants in her children's and grand children's lives - celebrating birthdays, church performances, school honors nights, graduations, vocal and band concerts, YMCA soccer, cross country, track, baseball and basketball games. In addition to her love of family, Joyce enjoyed country/western music and shows, dancing, politics, boating, camping, and traveling.
Joyce was a member of Salina First United Methodist Church, Gracefinders Sunday School Class, United Methodist Women, a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Salina Post 1432, and the Salina Chapter of the National Association of Active & Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).
Preceding Joyce in death were her beloved husband Donald of 45 years, her parents and grandparents; sisters Helen (Moore) Hartzfeld, and Irene (Moore) Churning; brothers Wayne, Arnold and Gene; nephew Kenneth Churning ; sisters-in-law Opal (Frank) Moore, Marie (Springer) Moore, LaVera (Vasey) Moore, and Orma (Rich) Courbot; brothers-in-law Melvin Hartzfeld, Carl Churning Sr, Edward Courbot, Ronald Rich and Earl Rich; and her best friend and companion of many years, Dale McClaskey.
Survivors include daughters: Penny Montgomery and husband Jeffrey and Cindy Short and husband Jerry; four grandsons: Dylan Hoffman, Zachary Montgomery and wife Kennedy, Jackson Montgomery and fiancé Kendall Schlesener and Nicholas Montgomery and partner Chip Roberts; two granddaughters; Sivonna Williams and partner Tristen Hale and Emma Bradley and husband Owen; two step-grandsons: D.J. and wife Brooklyn and Tyler Short; step-granddaughter: Lakyn Short; 2 great-granddaughters: Raelyn Hoffman and Liliana Hale; one great-grandson: Liam Hale; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 5 - 7 PM at the Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel; 1920 E. Crawford, Salina, KS 67401. Funeral Services will be on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the First United Methodist Church; 122 N. 8th, Salina, KS 67401. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established with the Joyce M. Rich Memorial Trust c/o Sunflower Bank; 2070 S. Ohio, Salina, KS 67401.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.