Joyce Elaine (Stroup) Hegna

Joyce Elaine (Stroup) Hegna found her peace and comfort on April 19, 2023, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.

Joyce was born on March 26, 1945, in Gillett Grove, Iowa to Cora Nellie (Dunlap) & Warren Stroup and was baptized in the Christian faith on April 10, 1960. On July 11, 1962, Joyce and Richard Hegna were united in marriage, and together they raised four children and many beloved family dogs. She spent her life lovingly caring and raising her children, serving as secretary for her church, providing in-home day care and roles in which her warm smile and friendly customer service made her a favorite of customers and coworkers. In retirement she loved her volunteer work at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Methodist West Hospital and Blank Children’s Hospital.

Joyce had many great joys in life, but nothing made her happier than her family and friends, children and her beloved dog, Ryley Maxwell. She would do anything to spend time with family and friends. Whether it was playing games, sharing a meal or working on a project, she loved being with people. She had a heart for all and a quick wit few could keep up with in any conversation. Joyce had limitless love for all children. She could calm a crying baby anywhere and she never met a child that did not fall in love with her. As a cuddler in the Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Blank Children’s Hospital, she shared her love and heart with little ones who needed it most. For the past 10 years, the light of her life was her loyal companion, Ryley Maxwell. He brought her great comfort and to say his name and talk about him brought the biggest smile to her face.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters Deana Anderson, Jodi (Jeff) Davidson, Charity Hegna (Shane Bales), son Caleb Hegna and her loyal companion, Ryley Maxell. She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Adam (Brittany) Anderson, Kyle (Kasumi) Anderson, Kimberly (Fernando) Paz and Jacob Davidson, five great-grandchildren, sister Ardis Schuler and brother Keith Stroup, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Richard, son-in-law Blaine Anderson, siblings Elvin Stroup, Norman Stroup and Laura Jean Stroup.

At Joyce’s request, there will be no service. Instead, it is her wish for you to love your family and friends, cherish the children in your lives and volunteer to help others. There is no better way to celebrate a life well lived than to help others. It is Joyce’s wish that you give to support the children and families served in the Variety Neonatal Care Unit at Blank Children’s Hospital. Gifts can be sent to the Blank Children’s Variety NICU at 1415 Woodland Ave, E-200, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 or online at https://www.unitypoint.org/giving/blank-childrens-hospital-foundation/donate - select donation designation of Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

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