Joyce Griffith

Joyce Beryl Griffith, 82, of Haysville, Kansas, passed from this life on January 16, 2026. She was born September 13, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Marion Audry and Rosa Irene (Huddle) Harper.

Joyce married the love of her life, John Wayne Griffith, on October 6, 1962. The two eloped to Miami, Oklahoma, beginning a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together they built a family rooted in love, tradition, and humor.

Joyce spent 46 years as a beloved school bus driver, from 1979 until her retirement in 2025. Thirty six of those years being employed with USD 261. Driving was her passion, and she had a story for every mile. She took special joy in driving her grandchildren’s field trips and even had them riding her bus long before they ever started school themselves.

A true caregiver at heart, Joyce took care of everyone around her. She was a social butterfly with a mischievous streak—famously ornery and happiest when teasing people bigger than her (which was just about everyone). She loved joking about giving out knuckle sandwiches and lived up to her reputation as a true firecracker. Her contagious, unforgettable laugh could fill a room and bring laughter to anyone nearby.

Joyce loved genealogy and family history and was deeply devoted to her family, always ready to help anyone in need. She was equally devoted to her faith and her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each Christmas, she lovingly made cheese balls for everyone she cared about, and all the kids looked forward to her famous chocolate chip cookies. She also always made her family their favorite muddy buddies—Chex cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter, dusted with powdered sugar—and they were, as everyone said, super good. An early riser, Joyce started her mornings with hot chocolate and made the very best eggs and bacon. She loved telling jokes, laughing, and talking about her dream of traveling the state of Kansas.

Friday nights were sacred tradition—dinner dates with her beloved John and sometimes a stop at the casino. After his passing, she carried on that tradition.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, John Griffith; her daughters, Juliene Griffith and Bonita Bosley; and her parents.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Heather McLeod, and her fiancé, Collin Hawk; her grandson, Gage Webb, and his wife, Kimberly Webb; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Rory Pittman, Weston Webb, Bryton Hawk, and Bowen Hawk.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at the Ridgepoint Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Derby, 2300 N Buckner St, Derby, Kansas followed by interment at El Paso Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Joyce with flowers may have them sent directly to the church.

A memorial has been established with the Cancer Center of Kansas.

Joyce will be remembered for her fierce love, joyful spirit, generous heart, and the laughter she brought into every life she touched.