Joyce passed away on Tuesday evening, July 23, 2024 at the Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Joyce was born September 1, 1939 to Theodore and  Margie Peterson.  After graduating from Villisca High School she attended community college and worked as a florist.  She met and married Robert "Bob" McLaren in 1958 and they made their home in Shenandoah.

Bob and Joyce started a family and farmed just outside of Shenandoah. Joyce raised her three children and supported the work of the busy farm. Joyce's life was a testament to hard work, community spirit, and dedication to family and lifelong learning. She pursued her interests of reading, gardening, decorating, cards, and learning in a variety of ways and to the benefit of the community.  She was active in so many clubs and projects such as Shenandoah Garden Club, Antiques Study Club, Book Club, Methodist Circle and for years she decorated the entrances to the Shenandoah Public Library and the Elks Club.  She had a green thumb and shared that with the community and her family.  Joyce enjoyed her work as a florist after the children left home.

Joyce was a great cook and had an eye for design and décor.   She always had many books in line and shared her love of reading with her children.  She could tell you most any historical fact off the top of her head!

Joyce is survived by three children, Julia McLaren of West Des Moines; Bruce (Donna) McLaren of Indianola, IA; Elizabeth (Paul Kreger) McLaren of Des Moines; three grandchildren; Caitlin (Tyler) Steward; Wesley (Shelby) McLaren; Riley McLaren and three great grandchildren, Thor, Nova and Deja; brothers Theodore and Steve and sister Phyllis; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; parents and granddaughter Alexandria.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Wabash Memorial Chapel in Shenandoah.  Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Bob.  The family will greet friends on Saturday morning at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.  Memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Public Library in Joyce's memory.