Joyce Knowles

Joyce Murlene Knowles, age 84, of Urbandale passed away peacefully on May 10, 2017.

Joyce was born August 18, 1932 in Worthington, MO and was the only child of Norma and Murl Croft. On May 21, 1950, Joyce married her lifelong love, James R. (J.R.) Knowles in Unionville. Together they raised their five children. For most of Joyce’s life she was a stay-at-home mom taking care of her husband and children first in Unionville, Missouri, then in West Des Moines, Iowa then Garner, Iowa until her youngest son graduated. In 2000, Joyce and JR moved back to central Iowa and settled in Ankeny. While living in West Des Moines, Joyce started working for the West Des Moines School District and loved spending time with the staff and children. The school she worked at was across the street from her house, so it was a simple commute that she dearly loved. While living in Garner, Joyce worked for the Garner Leader where she sold ads. Joyce easily built relationships with people because she wanted to know as much as she could about them while sharing details about her own family that she was very proud of. In 2008 Joyce suffered a debilitating stroke that took away her ability to walk. She was moved to Urbandale Health Care Center where she lived until her death. She made many friends over the years with the residents and staff and loved going to church on Sunday, playing Bingo, listening to live country and western music and celebrating holidays, birthdays and other occasions with her family and friends. She was very loved.

Joyce is survived by her five children, Sherie (Larry) Whitehead of Urbandale; Marty (Linda) Knowles of West Des Moines; Rick Knowles (Sherry Bennett) of Urbandale; Kim (Scott) Schaaf of Ankeny; and Larry Knowles (Jill Eilers) of Mason City as well as five grandsons, five granddaughters, five great-grandsons, one great granddaughter and two sister’s-in-law, Mary Knowles and Alberta (Knowles) Fowler. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers-in-law, Neal and Leo.

Two services will be held for Joyce. A service on Wednesday, May 17th at 7pm with visitation two hours prior at Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Westown Parkway. A second service on Thursday, May 18th at 11am with visitation one hour prior at First Baptist Church in Unionville, Missouri followed by a graveside service where she will be buried next to her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Mercy Hospice as a thank you for the wonderful care provided to Joyce during a difficult time.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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