Joyce H.M. Johns

Joyce HM Johns was born March 13, 1928 in Spencer, IA to Earl and Rose Thompson Moeller. She was the oldest of four children: Jean (Twetten), Kenny Moeller, Barbara (Kruse) and Mary Lou Moeller. Joyce passed away peacefully in her sleep August 30, 2014.

She went to Moneta/Everly, IA schools and then to Iowa Methodist School of Nursing (RN). She met and married AC (Al) Johns of Spencer, IA on December 7, 1952 in Spencer. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1957. She had three children: daughter, Kass; and two sons, Tom (Heather Gomez) and Terry (Kammi Taylor-Johns). She bragged of her 17 grandchildren, “all with four legs; 11 dogs and 6 cats.”

Joyce was in a critical automobile accident in 1953, leaving her with a handicapped leg. This ended her nursing career. She and Al took the kids camping frequently each summer, seeing most of Colorado, Wyoming and the west, as well as western Canada. She fell in love with Colorado and its rich history. She eventually became a respected Colorado Historian, writer and lecturer. She had been a volunteer for 15 years with the local museum as well as a member of Pikes Peak Posse of Westerners, El Paso County Pioneers Association, and the Old Colorado City Historical Society (past president). In later years, as a result of 3 strokes, she became confined primarily to her home. The most-recent stroke in September 2013 left her all but bed-ridden. She leaves behind many family and friends, who will deeply miss her quick wit and great storytelling.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents: Earl and Rose Moeller; Sisters, Jean and Mary Lou; Brother, Kenny; and Husband, Al. Her sister, Barbara (Moeller) Kruse survives her and lives in Greeley, CO. Joyce is survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families. The family wishes to thank Kammi Taylor-Johns for her nursing of Joyce in recent years and caregiver, Sarena Burns, for her compassionate daily care and close friendship with Joyce.

Service will be 11am, Saturday, 6, September 2014 at Swan Law Funeral Home (501 N Cascade Ave in Colorado Springs, CO). A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Planned Parenthood or All-Breed Rescue & Training of Colorado Springs (http://www.haveanicedog.org/).