Joyce Oliphant, 75
Memorial Cele-bration of Life Services for Joyce Oliphant, age 75 of Lenox who passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines was held Monday, May 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. The family greeted friends one hour prior to services. Private family interment of ashes at a later date at Glenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Lenox United Methodist Church. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Joyce Ann (Shallenberger) Oliphant was born September 18, 1945, in Nebraska City, Nebraska the daughter of Joy Shallenberger and Gladys (Anville) Shallenberger. Joyce grew up in Nebraska City on a farm. She graduated from Nebraska City High School with the Class of 1963, and then went on to attend Wayne State College. On October 19, 1965, Joyce was united in marriage to Paul Richard Oliphant at the Nebraska City United Methodist Church. To this blessed union, three children were born, John, J.R. and Holly.
Growing up, Joyce was involved with 4-H for seven years. During the seven years she completed 36 projects, in foods, nutrition, clothing, food preservation, gardening, babysitting, home living, beef, and junior leadership. She exhibited home economics and beef at AK-SAR-BEN and the state fair. She enjoyed having friends over for cards and dice, and holidays where she could cook and provide great tasting meals. She loved canning food and trying out new recipes; as well as perfecting family recipes that were passed down. Joyce enjoyed her trips to Branson, Missouri with the family, going to several shows, Silver Dollar City and eating at Lambert’s Cafe. Joyce had a strong bond with her dog Dallas, even though he was blind, nearly deaf and diabetic, she loved him as soon as he joined the family. Joyce worked many jobs, her most prevalent was dietary worker at the Lenox Care Center.
Left to cherish Joyce’s memory is her loving husband of 55 years, Paul Oliphant; daughter-in-law, Julie (Latimer) Oliphant; son J.R. Oliphant and his wife Vicky and his children, Kristen, Logan and Dixie; daughter Holly Oliphant and her children Dakota, Marrissa and Wesley, one great-grandchild, Elizabeth; along with many other relatives and friends.
Preceding Joyce in death are her parents, Joy and Gladys Shallenberger; a sister, Dorthy Mathies; and her son, John Paul Oliphant.
We will forever hold the precious memories of Joyce in our hearts.
May she be at peace in God’s loving care.
