Joyce Elaine Valdivia

Joyce Elaine (neé Ponton) Valdivia -
our beloved wife, mother,
grandmother and great-grandmother,
passed away peacefully on March 3,
2026. She was born in Battle Creek,
Nebraska, October
12, 1926.
Survivors include her husband Manuel
Valdivia; daughters Janet Bandel (John);
Susan Popejoy; step-children Roxanna,
Ivan and Larry; grandchildren - Jessamy
Freeouf (Brian), Joshua Johnson
(Becky),
Katy Popejoy-McDonald (Richard)
and Sarah Popejoy (Chaka Gibbs);
great-grandchildren - Joseph, Abigail,
Avery, Kira, Kody, Kaiden and
Coraline. Joyce was the eldest of the
Ponton siblings of Elgin, Nebraska.
She is preceded in death by her
brothers

Timothy, James, and David, sister Beverly;
infant daughter Julie Ganley;
granddaughter Keely Popejoy; and her
first
husband and father of their three
daughters, Robert Ganley. Joyce
leaves behind many nieces nephews
and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Joyce completed business courses in
Omaha at the age of 21. Throughout
her career life she held positions as
Administrative Assistant to the Dodge
County Attorney of Fremont
Nebraska; executive assistant wirh
Rob-See-Co in Waterloo Nebraska, as
well as other positions in Omaha. She
moved to
Scottsdale, Arizona with husband
Leonard Pike of Omaha. Shortly
thereafter the marriage dissolved. She

met Manny and remained in the
Scottsdale and Mesa
Arizona area for 30+ years until her
death.

Joyce was a devoted fashion diva and
could sniff out a bargain miles away.
Her favorite things in life were
traveling,
dancing, dining out and ice cream. She
adored her Grands and Great-Grands.
Joyce never passed up the chance to
chat with anyone; no one was a
stranger to her.

Manny and Joyce traveled extensively to
many countries on 20+ cruises, with
every detail arranged by her. For years,
Manny and Joyce were known for their
fluid, graceful Tango dancing in their

community gatherings at Fountain of the
Sun, Mesa, Arizona.

Joyce lived through many challenges
in her life but always found a way to
be happy and grateful for each day.

Joyce will be deeply missed. In lieu
of flowers or a service please hold
your thoughts and prayers in your
hearts.
PLEASE feel free to share your memories
of Joyce to the family.