Joyce Elaine Loomis

1951 - 2014

Joyce Elaine Perry Loomis, our friend, teacher, sister, aunt, mother and her favorite title of all, Grandma. She was born March 28, 1951, in Farmington, and raised in the Four Corners area, Joyce passed away April 27, 2014, in an auto accident outside of Coleman, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents Hueston and Laura Belle (Dean) Perry. She is survived by friends and family too numerous to list; her sister Janice (Bob) Karlin of Abilene, Texas; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; her sons, Danny (Tara) Ritter and Perry (Tamara) Ritter, all of Aztec; and granddaughters Kendra Ritter of Brighton, Colo. and Darian Ritter of Aztec. She loved you all very, very much.
Creative and always willing to share her ideas, Joyce loved to spend time challenging herself to overcome the limitations a stroke thought it could place. With the help of family and friends, she relearned a skill had as a child – knitting. She also joined the "Red Hat Society" and loved to make beautiful cards for any occasion. Her potholders, blankets, dishcloths and cards serve as reminders of her determination and generosity in the houses of her family and friends.
Joyce was also a kindergarten teacher and touched the lives of many children at Bluffview Elementary School. She never thought she had problem kids – she saw each one and their struggles as unique opportunities to open the door to a world full of wonder. She treasured her teaching years, and continued to teach all of us the importance of determination and contentment long after her health forced her to retire.
It is true that Joyce left this life on earth sooner than any of us planned – even her! This isn't the end, though. God has her spirit, the Earth has her body, and we have her memories. We are her family and her friends, and we will continue to honor Joyce's life by loving without hesitation, overcoming obstacles, calling words to mind with a beckoning finger, and smiling each time we see a chicken.
A celebration of Joyce's life will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 28, at the First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, 200 W. Sycamore Ave.
A lunch reception will be served afterward.
Those wishing to honor Joyce with contributions or flowers are encouraged to become involved as volunteers at local schools, animal shelters, and other organizations that, like Joyce, make this world a brighter place.