Joyce Ann Johnson

Joyce Ann Johnson, age 76, of Wellsville, Kansas, passed away on September 24, 2025, at the Olathe Medical Center.

She was born Joyce Ann Devin on November 2, 1948, in Paola, Kansas, to Bruce and Ruth (Beebe) Devin. Joyce grew up in eastern Kansas and graduated from Paola High School, beginning a life marked by hard work, creativity, faith, and devotion to her family.

On June 8, 1985, she married Wesley A. Johnson in Ottawa, Kansas. Together, they made their home in Wellsville, and shared forty years of love and companionship.

Joyce was a skilled cook who worked at L&L Restaurant in Ottawa, and later became a beloved and dependable team member at Walmart, where she worked for over 20 years. Her dedication and warmth earned her the "Great Job" Award four times during her tenure - a testament to her cheerful spirit and work ethic.

Joyce's lifelong passion was sewing, embroidery, and crocheting. She created countless beautiful garments, gifts, and Halloween bags for children - each stitched with care and love. Her creations remain treasured heirlooms among family and friends. She also had a deep love for gardening, flowers, and antiquing, finding joy in nature and nostalgia alike.

Joyce was a member of Tauy Baptist Church, where her faith anchored her life. Her favorite Scripture was Psalm 23, a passage that reflected her quiet strength and deep trust in God.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wesley, and her children: Sherry Eckman and her husband Philip of Gardner, Kansas; Shelly Ruppert of Garnett, Kansas; Brian Laxton and his wife Lori of Georgetown, Texas; and Leslie Ann Zamora of Burlington, Kansas. Joyce was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren and had many great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her siblings: Juanita Robinson and her husband Sylvester of Ottawa, Kansas; Janice Gregg and her husband Bill of Ottawa, Kansas; and her stepbrother, Joseph Haas of Prescott, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Ruth Devin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Tauy Baptist Church, located at 4097 Nevada Road, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are invited to gather and remember Joyce's beautiful life - a life marked by love, kindness, creativity, and quiet strength.