Joyce was born at home near Minatare, Nebraska, and was the eldest of 4 children born to Dorman and Antoinette Imus. She grew up helping to care for her brothers and sister, whom she loved dearly. Joyce gained her love of horses and all animals from her dad, who taught her how to ride, and gave her a keen eye for quarter horses; she never owned an ugly horse. Joyce began owning and training race horses, and went to the winner’s circle with many of them. Joyce met Robert Hardesty the day he came home from the Air Force, still in his uniform, and she said it was love at first site. He proposed two weeks later, and they were married on May 22, 1955. To this union, 4 children were born. They made their home in Henry, Nebraska. As the children got older she hung up her racing silks, and started hauling the kids to 4-H shows, Little Britches, and High School Rodeos, all while managing the SLX Trucking Company. Joyce was a beloved rodeo mom, many times collecting a stray cowboy or cowgirl here or there, who needed a place to sleep or a good meal.
Joyce and Bob were divorced in 1981, but remained good friends until his death in 1996. She remained single for many years, staying busy as a groomer, cook, helping raise her grandchildren, and caring for her mother. She was very involved in her church, and was serving a funeral dinner when she spotted her High School sweetheart, Daryl Kreiling, whom she hadn’t seen in over 50 years. She asked him if he remembered her and he said “Oh, Joyce I have been looking for you for years” They were married later that year on December 24, 2005, and remained married until his death in March 2021. They made their home in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Joyce and Daryl enjoyed riding horses, traveling to visit kids, and watching football and westerns. Joyce will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her twinkling blue/green eyes, and her generous heart.
She was preceded in death by husband, Robert Hardesty; husband Daryl Kreiling; parents, Dorman and Antoinette Imus; mother and father-in-law, Erma and Wilbur Hardesty; brothers, Jack Imus and Mike Imus; brother-in-law Wesley Rathbun; sisters-in-law, Wilba Lea Rathbun, and Sherri Blakeslee; son-in-law, Bobby Kuhnhein; and granddaughter, Renee Labato.
She is survived by her children, Barbara (Larry) Oaks, Robin Kuhnhein, Julie (Bob) Oaks, and John (Audra) Hardesty; her step-children, Kerry (Tim) Swindle, Kirk (Kristy) Kreiling, and Kendal (Christy) Kreiling; Grandchildren, Tad Oaks, Crystal Martin, Larry Oaks Jr., Bodie Correll, and Bailey Swanson; Sister, Carol Kay Gamet; and many great grand-children, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Dugan Kramer Chapel on July 22 at 10am, officiated by Pastor Jake Roberts, with viewing July 21 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Interment will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Minatare, Ne. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com
