Joyce Luchtman

Joyce was the youngest daughter of Charles and Ruth Young, and sister to Jesse, Virginia, and Kenny.. She was born into the farming community of Beatrice, NE at the beginning of the Great Depression. At age 16, she fell in love with the handsome 18-year-old Robert Luchtman, and they were married shortly before the Air Force deployed him during World War II. In that same year, her mother died.

Following the war, Bob and Joyce moved to southern California, where they welcomed two long-anticipated daughters and a beloved cocker spaniel. Joyce worked full time for most her life. While the girls were young, she taught fourth grade at their elementary school, but for most of her career, she worked as a legal secretary and paralegal with attorney Fred Gabler. Fred taught Joyce how to drive, and the long friendships of Fred, his wife, Ginny, and all the Gabler kids were a true grace note in her life. Later, she worked for Fred’s daughter Shari’s attorney husband, Jay. Even after retirement and the move to Fort Collins, Joyce remained very interested in legal issues and pretty much everything else. She was known to ask old and new friends lots of questions and paid meticulous attention to details. Joyce had an incredible work ethic, but no matter how busy she was, there was always time to cook for friends and family.

Following her husband Bob’s death, Joyce lived with her oldest daughter, Cindy and Cindy’s husband, Mark, in their Fort Collins home. Mark and Cindy lovingly cared for her until her sudden death. Although she didn’t see her younger daughter, Lori (Cincinnati, OH) very often, she learned to use an iPhone to keep in touch. Lori and her children, Kellie Joy and Noah, talked, texted, and exchanged pictures frequently with “Gram.” They will miss her willingness to talk anytime and her boundless enthusiasm for their adventures. Joyce loved her siblings, nieces, and nephews and kept in close touch. Her older sister, Ginny, passed away shortly after Joyce, and we take comfort knowing the two sisters and their brothers are united again.

Joyce loved people. She loved feeding people. She was happiest when the house was full, and the kitchen counter was laden with quiche, seven-layer dip, lasagna, and special desserts. She was a loyal friend and loved to stay in touch via telephone. She loved all gardening, but took special pride in her rose bushes, which lately were restored to glory by her friend Markel.

If you are reading this, then it’s most likely you had your own unique relationship with Joyce and were a much-loved and valued part of her story. We miss her greatly, yes. Most of all, we feel profound gratitude for the richness and joy you gave Joyce by sharing your life with her.

Joyce was a person of strong faith through both happy and trying times. She loved attending her church, Southgate, hearing Pastor Kevin’s sermons, and reading the Bible. She cared deeply for the people of Southgate church. Her life was marked by kindness, great generosity, and honesty. She is reunited now with her husband Bob, a multitude of dear friends, and all of the saints in Heaven.

Joyce is survived by her wonderful siblings’ extended families; daughter Cindy and husband Mark; daughter Lori and husband Carl; grandchildren Kellie Joy and Noah Jones; many beloved neighbors and friends; and a whole lot of baking spices.

A 10 AM Celebration of Joyce’s life is planned for Saturday, January 14th at Southgate Church. All who knew her are welcome to attend. The service will also be live streamed through the church’s website at https://southgate.church/.

In lieu of flowers and in Joyce's honor, you are welcome to make a donation to the House of Neighborly Service: https://www.honservice.org/get-involved/donate.html.