Joyce Ann Hoover

Joyce A. Hoover (nee Mikeworth), 87, of Belleville, IL passed away at her residence on December 10, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Margaret Mikeworth and three sisters, Avis

King, Velvadale Martin and Jeannie Mikeworth. Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 69 years,

William "Bud" Hoover; son, Blake (Kim) Hoover; daughter, Marnie (Chad) Agne; grandchildren, Taylor Agne, Claire Hoover, Ella Hoover, Keith Grigg, Matthew Grigg, Hunter Agne, Cole Agne, Jacob Agne;

great grandson, Barrett Agne; and her faithful companion that never left her side in her final week,

Scooter, her shih tzu.

Joyce was the best wife, mother, and grandmother. She was always happy and laughing in spite of health challenges throughout her life. Joyce was adored by all who met her. She was a friend to

everyone, always ready to join conversation and make a new friend. She was “second mom” to many

of her children's friends. Though her children and grandchildren thought she was the best and most

perfect mom and grandma, there was one who loved her more. Her husband, Bud was absolutely her

biggest, most adoring fan. He thought she hung the moon and stars. Bud loved her more than anyone

has ever loved another. His standard quotes regarding his wife are “She is gorgeous” “I don't know

why she stays with me” “She’s my life”. They have been the most true and perfect example of what

marriage should look like. They have loved through ALL the good and ALL the bad, without giving it a

second thought.

She was the “Energizer Bunny” of the health world having battled with breast cancer

for almost 40 years. She was determined and she was a fighter—giving up was never an option because

Joyce wanted to spend every minute she could with her family. She was truly a Grandma Extraordinaire

who was always ready and willing to help her family in any way she could. Family always came first. She

attended all of the children's activities and as many as she could of her grandchildren. Just a few years

ago, she was able to make it to Ole Miss to see her granddaughter cheer.

She enjoyed card club, was an avid reader, and loved camping and traveling. Her favorite trips were family vacations, with as many family members as she could get. Joyce and Bud traveled by RV to countless family and fishing trips. She would even go on occasional hunts with Bud and loved to fish with him. This past summer she was determined to get to see the ocean and get her toes in the sand, and

so she did. Going on a family trip with all of her grandchildren to Alabama. Joyce and Bud built a home

at Table Rock Lake after retiring, and spent as much time as they could there. She enjoyed fishing, spending time with all their dear lake friends and family, and hosting numerous family vacations at the

lake house. Their door was always open to friends and family to stay with them.

Joyce and Bud stayed active and truly in love. Joyce created joy wherever she went. She looked forward

to all holidays and birthdays, because, again, it meant more family time. She had a weakness for Christmas decorations, Red Lobster, cheese popcorn, “real coca cola” and Mr. Good bars. She was known as an incredible cook and some of her notables were her raisin-nut cake, potato salad, dressing,

pan fried chicken and sausage gravy. Her determination, laughter, love for family and zest for life will

live on through the legacy she leaves behind.

Friends may visit on Saturday, December 18 from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Valhalla

Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223. She will be laid to rest

at Valhalla Gardens of Memory. Memorials are appreciated to the Siteman Cancer Center "Patient Care

Fund" and Shriner’s Childrens Hospital. A special thank you to her entire medical team, who were not

just care providers, she truly loved them: Dr. Rama Suresh, Dr. James Althoff, Dr. Hatim Mahmood

and BJC Hospice, Becca RN for her loving care and support. Please offer condolences at

www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com.