Joyce Irene Warkentin

Joyce Irene Warkentin passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024 in Reedley, California, at the age of 97. She was born on November 16, 1926 in Newton, Kansas, the first child of Harry and Linda Schroeder. Joyce dedicated much of her life to serving her church, her family, and her community through her work and in service to others.

Joyce was a long-time resident of Dinuba, California and Kingsburg, California. She served as the school secretary and office manager for Immanuel High School in Reedley from 1966 until her retirement in 1989. In retirement, she served first as a volunteer office administrator at Happy Days School in Kingsburg, then in the book department of the Nearly New Shop in Reedley, and finally in several volunteer service roles as a resident of Palm Village in Reedley.

A person of deep faith, Joyce was a member of Hope Kingsburg Church. Throughout her life, she shared her musical gifts through singing and playing the accordion and piano in church and chapel services. Joyce enjoyed quilling and led a group in which she read inspirational biographies to blind residents at Palm Village. She was also honored by the American Red Cross as a lifetime 10-gallon blood donor.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Warkentin, her brother, Harold Schroeder, and her sister, Mary Eytzen. She is survived by her children, Marvin Warkentin, Marilyn Niles, Carol Applegate and Don Warkentin; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-children; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

Joyce was grateful for the staff employees and the care professionals at Palm Village where she lived for the last 24 years of her life. She frequently expressed gratitude for her caregivers and demonstrated her appreciation for all they did for her, especially as she neared her life’s end. Joyce’s family shares her gratitude for the staff and for the care she received.

A memorial service for Joyce will be held at the Palm Village Chapel in Reedley on July 18, 2024 at 10:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers any gifts be made to the Palm Village Living Trust.

Joyce’s life was marked by her faith, and daily she asked herself: “How can I best be of service to others?”. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.