Joyce Allmon

Mary “Joyce” Allmon, age 93, died on August 17, 2023.   She was born in Hutchinson, KS on October 7, 1929, the only child of Dorsey and Clara Wester.  Her father was a minister, which resulted in the family moving several times during her childhood.  She graduated from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, High School in 1947 and then attended Central College in McPherson, Kansas.   It was there that she met the love of her life, Mitchel L. Allmon, who had just returned from serving in World War II.  The two met when Joyce was in the choir and Mitch was using his car to transport choir members to concerts.  They shared an instant bond and married a short time later on April 4, 1949.  

 

Joyce worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for over 25 years at Pyle Construction Company in McPherson, KS where Mitch also worked as a superintendent.  Even though they worked together, they never tired of each others’ company.

 

Joyce expressed her Christian faith by serving in numerous roles at the McPherson Free Methodist Church, where she was a member for over 70 years.  She was a youth group leader; she served on various committees over the years; and she was involved in mission projects and trips.  She led a life of service outside the church as well by hosting Bible studies in her home, visiting people in need, and welcoming people to their home for meals or extended stays wherever she saw a need.

 

Joyce had a passion for life, laughed freely, and never met a stranger which resulted in many friends over the years.  She loved traveling, which started as yearly family vacations which were a special joy to her.  As one trip ended, she would start planning one for the following year.   Though many of the family vacations involved camping, it was not until they retired that they bought their first motorhome.  They traveled all over the United States in their motorhome, exploring new places, enjoying nature, and meeting new people.  They also used their motorhome to travel around the country for work projects with “Craftsmen for Christ”.    Hallmark Cards surely loved her as she was an avid card and letter writer.  Joyce also loved bird watching and learned to identify almost every bird she saw, although the cardinal was always her favorite.

 

Joyce and Mitch lived in McPherson throughout their 74-year marriage.  They lived in the house they built in 1955 until this summer, when they moved to assisted living at The Cedars in McPherson.  Even though her body failed her in recent years, her spirit remained strong and her sense of humor was still intact.

 

A hallmark of Joyce’s life was her love for her family.  She is survived by her beloved husband, Mitch who was her most devoted caregiver, children Garry (Linda) Allmon, Sharon Allmon, Jeff (Rick Tyler) Allmon, and Rhonda (Leigh) Ramsdale, and grandchildren Tom Allmon, Jamie Marr, Ashley Allmon, Bryan Ramsdale, Courtney Ramsdale, and five great grandchildren.

 

Joyce loved and lived with enthusiasm! 

 

A private memorial service was held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at McPherson Cemetery with Rev. Tom Mayse officiating.  Instead of flowers, please consider making donations to the “D. I. and Clara Wester Scholarship” at Central College.   Donations can be made through Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut St., McPherson, KS 67460.