Joyce Kopfman

Joyce Darlene Hayzlett Kopfman, born on August 2nd, 1939, in Lakin, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2025, in Longview, Texas. She was 85 years young.
Joyce was born and raised in Lakin, Kansas, by her dear parents, Juanita (Coder) and Lester Hayzlett. She was blessed with a close-knit family and is survived by her three brothers: Gary (Helen) Hayzlett, Dennis (Carmen) Hayzlett, and Randy (Pam) Hayzlett. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Lucky, whom she always felt was a special gift, brought into her life at just the right time.
In December 1956, Joyce married the love of her life, Jackie Lee Kopfman, Sr. (Jack), in Clayton, New Mexico. Together, they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, partnership, and cherished memories.
Their legacy continues through their four beloved children: Jack (Cheryl) Kopfman, Roxie (Tom) Schafersman, Debbie (Tim) Fogarty, and Kim (Devoe) Harp. To her eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, she was known dearly as "Granny." Her family also affectionately knew her as "Granny Oakley," a testament to her excellent marksmanship.
A woman of many talents and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Joyce was a business owner and embraced the life of a farmer and rancher alongside her husband for many years. She poured her energy and dedication into all her endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on her community.
For 27 years, Joyce served as a highly respected Program Director at the Kearny County ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) office, retiring in 2004. She was admired by the local farming community for her expertise and unwavering commitment to their success with farm programs.
Beyond her professional life and her love for the land, Joyce had a wonderful zest for life and loved to have fun with her family. She especially enjoyed her many trips to Las Vegas, creating cherished memories with her loved ones, particularly on the fun-filled "girls' trips." Always ready for a good time, Joyce was quick to pull out the cards or dice for a lively game whenever family gathered around the table, often accompanied by her famous margaritas and plenty of laughter. She had a passion for travel and enjoyed seeing the beauty of national parks and wildlife.
Joyce cherished her life in the country, in the home that she and Jack built together. She had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and found immense peace and joy in watching the spectacular sunrises and sunsets from her front porch. She also loved to watch and feed her large covey of quail from her back porch that visited her every year.
Joyce was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and lived by the core values of trust, respect, commitment, kindness, and support.
Services to celebrate Joyce's life will be held at 10:00 am Saturday May 17, 2025 in the Lakin Cemetery with Pastor Greg Fletcher officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lakin Methodist Church. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.