Joyce E. Bell

Joyce E. Bell, 77 of Lakewood passed away June 27, 2013. Sister of June Gronberg. Preceded in death by brothers, Forrest and Darrell Bell; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. Funeral, Tuesday, 9am, Olinger Crown Hill, interment to follow. Memorials to Colorado Lutheran Home, 7991 W 71st Ave, Arvada 80003.

Joyce Elaine Bell was born on October 10,1935, in a chicken house in Seibert, Colorado. Her father, Emmett, worked at the grain elevator. Besides rearing and caring for her family, her Mother, Hazel, raised chickens and sold eggs. Joyce was the youngest of Emmett and Hazel’s four surviving children and was so small at birth that her parents kept her in a grape basket.

Joyce was born with a tumor on her right knee. At age seventeen, she made the decision to have the leg amputated. With the artificial leg, she led a full and active life. She drove, worked full time, did yard work, skied...both snow and water, and traveled, including two trips to Europe to help chaperone a school youth choir. Not much ever slowed her down.

Joyce was a faithful member of Lakewood Baptist Church. During her many years there, she served as church secretary, Sunday school superintendent, and vacation Bible school coordinator. She sang in the choir and often performed special music.

Joyce and her mother lived together on Carr Street in Lakewood for 64 years. They always took care of each other, traveled together, and demonstrated true concern for one another. Joyce always said she wanted to take care of her Mom - just as her Mom had taken care of her.

Joyce was an avid Broncos fan. Her collection of Bronco memorabilia was legendary. As a season ticket holder for many years, she never missed a game. Sun or snow, good team or bad, Joyce would be in the stands rooting on her boys. In addition, she would tape all the games on her VCR. During away games, her cries of “Protect him” and “Tackle him” would echo through the house. She traveled to three Super Bowls in 1987, 1988, and 1990, and witnessed some heartbreaking defeats. Despite this, her loyalty never wavered, and she was rewarded with Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998.

Although Joyce never married or had children of her own, her nieces and nephews and their families were very dear to her. Family gatherings were always special, and we can all remember the Christmas celebrations at Grandma and Aunt Joyce’s house: The gift exchange, oyster stew, and the haggling to see who could get some of Aunt Joyce’s handmade Christmas bows.

With her mother’s death in 2001 and her declining mobility, Joyce moved to Eaton Terrace Apartments in Lakewood, where she enjoyed both the facility and the people she met.

Her mobility continued to decline, and she moved to the Colorado Lutheran Home in 2006. She received great care at the Lutheran Home and was a favorite of the staff. They knew they could pop into her room for a chat or to get an update on the Broncos or Rockies score on TV.

Joyce touched many people with her faith, courage, and zest for life. In her last months, the reality of her condition started to fade that gracious smile. Her family, friends, and the nursing home staff knew she was ready to go. She died quickly on June 27, likely from a heart-attack or stroke. We will never know. But we know she walks the streets of Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.