Joyce Elaine Keim

Joyce Elaine Keim, 84, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at Logan Manor in Logan, Kansas.

She was born on September 29, 1940, in Inavale, Nebraska, to Edward and Ida Mae (Hunter) Hays. Joyce grew up in Lebanon, Kansas, and graduated with the LHS Class of 1958. As a young girl, she helped her mother at their family-owned café, ironed clothes at the local clothing store, and cared for her older sister's children-an early glimpse of her lifelong devotion to family and service.

Joyce had an incredible work ethic and loved helping others. When she started her own family, she tackled life's demands with determination-sewing homemade clothes for her children with help from her mother, raising chickens, milking cows, and doing whatever needed to be done.

She was a steadfast supporter of her kids' livestock and horse shows, sports games, and school activities. Later, she joyfully followed her grandchildren's events, traveling to cheer them on whenever she could. She and her husband LeRoy loved bringing everyone together during Rodeo time, hosting a backyard barbecue after the parade each year.

Joyce's energy and enthusiasm extended to her own wellness. She walked countless miles on her treadmill and even made the newspaper for her long-distance bike riding. She worked hard in every role she held, including typist at The Advocate, bookkeeper, baker and café cook, and processor at Brooke Financial. She approached every role with dedication and grit.

Her home was always welcoming and spotless. She was known for her famous peach pies and loved making "just a little something to eat" for anyone who came through her door. She also adored giving golf cart rides to her sweet dog, Lady.

Joyce had a deep love for Jesus and often shared with her family how she would "talk to God," turning to Him in prayer whenever she felt worried or needed reassurance.

Her family is grateful for the peace of knowing she was received into Heaven and made whole once again.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, LeRoy Keim; her son, Scott Brown; daughter-in-law, Sue Brown; brothers Keith, Kenny, and Bill Brown; sisters Kitty Lou Shipley and JoAnn Roush; nephew Jimmy Roush; and her parents, Edward and Ida Mae Hays.

She is survived by her children: Tim Brown of Delphos, KS; Sandy (Daryl) Lucas of Macksville, KS; DeeDee (Lee) Singular of Linn, KS; and Cindy (Rob) Britz of Denver, CO.

She is also survived by her stepchildren: Michelle (Ben) Fortt of Aurora, CO; Melinda (Wade) Younkin of Norton, KS, and Kelli (Jayson) Hueneke of Phillipsburg, KS.

She leaves behind 36 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews of Joyce and LeRoy's extended family.