M. Joyce Glenn

M. Joyce (Stewart) Glenn, 79, died Friday, February 25, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born September 8, 1931, in Albia, the first of six children to Elbert and Roberta (Humphrey) Stewart. Reared on a farm southeast of Altoona, she began studies in a one-room school and later was valedictorian of her class at Altoona High. She learned life skills in 4-H, serving a year as Polk County 4-H president.

Joyce married Jesse Russell Glenn on July 22, 1951, at Ivy Methodist Church. They raised four children in the kid-rich neighborhood of 3rd St. SE, Altoona. Joyce was a contract writer for Bankers Life (Principal Financial), Des Moines, for 30 years. She was an active, almost-60-year member of Altoona United Methodist Church.

Her family recalls her as a voracious learner with an appetite for life. She read "like most people breathe." She loved birds, flowers and gardening; pottery and antiques; quilting and fine arts; and travels at home and to England, Holland, France and Sweden. She was a wonderful cook; she and a sister published a Stewart family cookbook. She was the go-to source for family dates, genealogy and lore. She loved her family.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Russ; sons: Mark (Susan) Glenn of Minneapolis and Mike (Casey) Glenn of Altoona; daughters: Kathy (David) Glenn-Lewin of China, Maine, and Cindy (Dave) Peters of Cedar Falls; grandchildren: Dan and Michael Glenn, Matt and Nate Peters, Jeff (Sandy) Lewin, Deborah (Tim Adams) Lewin, Greg (Joy Schloemer) Lewin, Trisha (Clint) Richey and David (Jessi) Doorenbos; eight great-grandchildren; brothers: Jene (Myra) of California, Jerry (Loa) of Norwalk, Les (Jackie) of Colorado; and sisters: Rosalie (Larry) Stone of Florida and Sue (Don) Caviness of Nebraska.

Visitation will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona. Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW. Burial will follow at Canfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Altoona United Methodist Church and the Altoona Public Library.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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