Joyce Marie Keene

KEENE, JOYCE MARIE, 77, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on December 12, 2025.

Joyce was born on April 19, 1948, in Aurora, Missouri, to Floyd and Mary Kelley. At a young age, she moved with her family to Arkansas City, Kansas, where she grew up and attended school. Joyce flourished academically and socially, going straight from high school into college, where she earned her associate degree. During her college years, she was honored to be considered for Queen Alalah, a reflection of her grace, character, and spirit.

Following graduation, Joyce began her professional career at Home National Bank. It was during this time that she took a chance on a blind date-one that would change her life forever-when she met Kent. Their meeting blossomed into a lifelong marriage filled with love, partnership, and adventure. Together, they raised three children and navigated a whirlwind of moves before settling in Andover, Kansas, which they proudly called home.

The move to Andover opened the door for Joyce to pursue her passion for sewing, leading her to start her own business, " The Stitching Heart." Through her creativity and dedication, she built a business she loved and worked until she joyfully retired into her favorite role-full-time Grandma. Joyce was also an active member of the "Beta Beta" sorority group and treasured the friendships she formed there.

Joyce had many interests and talents. She loved sewing, collecting cherished items, and playing the dulcimer. Above all, she found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Known by all who loved her as the sweetest person with just the right touch of sass, Joyce was a true spitfire-kind, spirited, and unforgettable.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, Kent Keene; her children, Kristen Keene (Walter Ruth), Kaylon Keene (Heather), and Kasey Keene (Rebecca); her brother, Cliff Kelley (Kelly); her grandchildren, Kelsey Lettenberger (TJ), Brianna Green (James), Lukas Keene, Lauren Dewey (Brendon), Brittnee Keene (Tyler), Taylor Cary, Samantha Keene, Delaney Cary, and Olivia Keene; and her great-grandchildren, Madison Lettenberger, Kinsley Lettenberger, James Green Jr., Preston Creath, Evelyn Dewey, and one great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Mary Kelley, and her brother, Floyd Ray Kelley.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church, located at 417 West Central, Andover, Kansas. Burial will follow at Bruno Township Cemetery, 2400 North Andover Road, Andover, Kansas.

Joyce's legacy of love, creativity, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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