Joyce Kathleen (Mattes) McElroy, 84 was born September 23, 1928, on a farm southwest of Hamburg, Iowa and was the daughter of Alfred and Pearl (Cheney) Mattes. She entered into peace Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital.

Joyce attended schools in rural Farragut, graduating from Farragut High School in 1946. She was married to Robert Thomas McElroy on September 17, 1950. This union was blessed with one son, James Robert McElroy.

Joyce participated as a volunteer in many church, school, county and other worthwhile projects for a number of years. She enjoyed her 24 years as secretary/office manager for All-America Rose Selections. Her boss and AARS declared her work "exceptional". She was a life-long member of the Community of Christ Church in Shenandoah.

With many health concerns facing her, she developed a close relationship with God and felt led to write "On The Brighter Side", a spirit-lifting newspaper column, published first in the Evening Sentinel and later in the Valley News for nearly 19 years. Joyce organized and led the Shenandoah's area chapter for the American Diabetes Association for over 10 years. She served on the national ADA's board of directors and was vice-president of patient education. She was a 66-year survivor of Type One Diabetes (a rare feat indeed) and had been recognized several years ago with a special award from the American Diabetes Association.

Joyce had lived at Windsor Manor. She thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with the other residents and greatly appreciated all the loving care shown to her from the staff.

Her husband, son, parents and five siblings preceded her in death. Those left to cherish her memory include her sister-in-law Norma Mattes; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

As her parting gift, she willed her body to the Nebraska Medical Center for the purpose of training new doctors and for medical research.