Joyce Melsha

Joyce Geneva Melsha, passed away peacefully on November 27th surrounded by her family. She was born September 19, 1937 to Hollis and Frank Anderson of Cedar Rapids, lowa. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School and later completed a business degree remotely. She married Leroy Berry on June 30, 1956 and daughter Deb was born April 22, 1957. Later the marriage ended and Joyce married Kenneth W. Melsha.on December 31, 1965. Years later Kenneth adopted Deb and the family resided in Cedar Rapids to later relocate to Solon, lowa. Until retirement, they owned their own refrigeration company.

Kenneth and Joyce enjoyed wintering in Texas for 25 years before Joyce eventually moved to Texas when Kenneth passed away in 2003. She then moved to the Solon Retirement Village to be close to family. She loved her life in Texas, but after moving to Solon Retirement Village she made many new friends and really enjoyed her time spent there. Joyce had a passion and love for dogs.

Over the years she was never without a dog or two and provided them with a loving home. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her dogs. Her great-grandchildren were her biggest joy.

Joyce is pre-deceased by her parents and husband.

Surviving in addition to her daughter Deb (husband Bob) are Grandchildren Andy (Nicole) Huber and Kelsey (Josh) Patten, Great Grandchildren James Huber, Maddisyn & Halle Patten, and sisters Nancy Ladehoff and Alice Holtz.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Celebration of Life Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service on Saturday at Brosh Chapel.

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