Joyce was born and raised in Creighton Nebraska on her family farm. She later with her family moved to California to complete High School in Apple Valley. Joyce graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney, and moved to the Omaha Indian Reservation to pursue her career in teaching; it is here she met and married the love of her life, Don Stephens. Don and Joyce started their family in Omaha, NE and later the family relocated to Littleton, Colorado. Joyce shared her gift and love of teaching at Sunday School, and Beacon Country Day School, where she retired after 23 years of teaching kindergarten. Joyce enjoyed being active with her church community, shopping with her daughters, playing with her grandchildren, and traveling abroad with Don.
Joyce has been welcomed into the arms of her father Arlie Robert Sorensen and mother Lela Marie Larson who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Don Stephens of Indiana PA, their four daughters; Ashley Renee, Erin Leigh married to Douglas Thompson, Suzanne Elizabeth married to Mario Losasso, and Rachel Kristine married to Debesh West, her four grandchildren; Kelsey Kathryn, Samantha Nicole, Giovanni James, and Stella Rose. Joyce is also survived by her sister Jean Griffing, married to Gary Griffing.
May her memory and legacy continue to guide and grace us.
The Memorial is scheduled at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit on Saturday July 16th, at 2:00PM with a reception at the church to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made in her name as a tribute to honor her commitment and love of helping children.
• Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Rainbow Trail Campership, payable to LCHS
• Joyce Stephens Scholarship for Beacon Country Day School, made payable to Erin Thompson.
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