Joyce Serfass

Joyce was born in Amherst, Nebraska—the surprise baby of five children. She was baptized in Christ in the Lutheran Church as a young child. She grew up on a farm in northern Missouri and attended trade school to be a teletype operator after completing high school. She worked for the American Red Cross. She married Nat Lee Serfass on May 19, 1957 and they were married for 67 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nat; her parents and siblings.

Joyce was a homemaker, girl scout leader, church volunteer, Bible study member, and active in Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She loved to bowl and square dance. She attended many tennis, track, and band events through the years. She cared for her grandsons while Jeanette worked part-time. She also traveled to Louisiana and Oklahoma to visit grandchildren (Jennifer’s children) through the years. All of the grandsons enjoyed the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun passports they received every year.

Joyce was an active and dedicated member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church since 1957. She leaves a legacy of faith in God, loving your family, and a strong work ethic.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Jeanette (Larry) Miller and Jennifer (Stephen) Hoak; five grandsons—Christopher, Jeffrey, Aaron (Marissa), Jacob (Kristen), and Adam and fiance, Taylor Lombard. Her two great grandchildren, Bentley and Lydia, have brought her much joy! She is also survived by her attentive nephew, Stephen (HoYong) Oertwig .

The family would like to thank Kansas City Hospice for their excellent care and compassion over the past three years. A special thanks to her hospice team including Cindy, Gloria, Kristin, and Cathy.

The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to all of the staff, volunteers, and management at the KC Hospice House where she has resided for the past four months. Joyce was well-loved by all at the hospice house and the staff have shared many tenacious and funny stories with the family. She has been called the “Mascot of the Place,” “Miss Sassafras”, and an enigma. She did it her way!

Funeral services will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 2003 NE Englewood Rd. Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday November 7, 2024 at 12:00 PM , with visitation one hour prior.

Burial following the service at DW Newcomers White Chapel cemetery at 6600 NE Antioch Rd. Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Kansas City Hospice.