Paula Elizabeth Joyce

Paula was born October 21, 1922, in Bloomington, Nebraska, the daughter of Paul and Ella Dunn. One month before her birth, her father was killed in a car wreck. Seven years later her mother married Ray Macy and they moved with Paula to Almena, Kansas. She grew up in Almena and was involved in many school activities and graduated high school there.

Paula attended the University of Kansas and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1944. She moved to Ulysses, Kansas, after graduation to teach English at Grant County Rural High School. She chose Ulysses because at the time, it had the highest teacher’s salary in the state. She rented a room at the home of Anna and May Rosel and quickly made many friends. Within two weeks, she fell in love with her new hometown.

On July 4, 1946, Paula married Thomas Edward Joyce. They began Joyce Brothers Farms, which they operated for many years. They had 3 children and raised them in Ulysses, always attending school activities and many sporting events. While in Ulysses, Paula was active in Eastern Star and the United Methodist Church. She sang at funerals and served meals for church funeral dinners for many years.

Tom preceded her in death in 1984, and after being a Ulysses resident for 44 years, Paula moved to Overland Park, Kansas, to be near her children. She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection of Leawood and a volunteer there. She enjoyed playing Bridge and was a member of the same Bridge group for over 30 years. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and watching KU basketball. In her early nineties, she moved to Town Village of Leawood and made many more new friends. Her mind remained sharp until her passing.

Family was the center of Paula’s life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved being with her family and knowing all about everyone’s activities. She had great conversations with her children and grandchildren, even past the age of 100.

Paula is survived by two sons and one daughter, Dr. Steve Joyce (Lundy) of Leawood, KS., Dr. Jeff Joyce (Kara) of Leawood, KS., and Ann Joyce Hillis (Randy) of Poplar Bluff, MO.

Eight grandsons: Alex Joyce and Nick Joyce of Louisburg, KS, Patrick Joyce (Julie) of Leawood, KS, Taylor Joyce (Allison) of Orlando, FL, Zach Tate (Holly) of Kansas City, MO, Jack Joyce of Leawood, KS, Tyler Hillis (Hope) of Ardmore, OK, Trent Hillis (Olivia) of St Louis, MO.

Eight great-grandchildren: Owen, Ben, Nicolas, Cade, Joseph, Grant, Reeve, and Vivien.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Church of the Resurrection.

Burial will be in the Ulysses, Kansas Cemetery.