Joyce Ann Vahrenkamp Reavis

Joyce Ann Vahrenkamp Reavis was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Born to Rudolph and Christine Vahrenkamp on May 10, 1940 in Killeen, Texas, Joyce was the eldest of four sisters, and from the very beginning, she blazed a trail filled with determination, warmth, kindness and an impeccable sense of humor.

Growing up on the family farm, Joyce’s childhood was shaped by hard work and simple joys. She learned to drive a tractor at the tender age of five, a testament to her tenacity and the close bond she shared with her daddy. Milking cows, planting crops, tending gardens and learning the art of making fresh butter were not chores, they were treasured moments. She passed down her work ethic and made sure that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren learned some of these simple joys, too.

“Who, what for, how come?” became a running joke among her family and a question they lovingly teased her with as she was always full of curiosity and quick wit. And she was always up for a good-natured prank with her Uncle Adolph, taking turns calling one another with a “corny” joke. Sunday gatherings at her Grandpa and Grandma’s were filled with laughter, games of baseball and dominoes, and rice with butter, sugar and cinnamon, always in the same bowl — childhood memories she cherished her entire lifetime.

Joyce attended Killeen High School, graduating in 1958, and spent her days playing basketball and volleyball, enjoying every minute. In her senior year, she and her friends even picked up Elvis Presley, “the famous rock ‘n’ roll singer,” during his time at Ft. Hood to drive him around Killeen or just sit on the step of his barracks to visit.

After graduating high school, she attended Nixon Clay Business College in Austin and then made her way back home to Killeen to work for Towne Services Moving Company from 1959 to 2000.

One evening at the Rattlesnake Inn between Killeen and Florence, Joyce met the love of her life, Newell Reavis. After a year, they married on November 26, 1960, and together built a family and a legacy full of love, laughter and community. Joyce and Newell shared their days on the family farm, raising animals, supporting local youth with their 4-H and FFA projects, and encouraging their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with theirs. The Reavis family legacy continued through a namesake 4-H scholarship awarded each year in remembrance of Newell to support graduating seniors in Killeen.

Joyce’s devotion to the livestock industry was noticed and earned her a few firsts. Of all the guard dog breeders and livestock owners across Texas, she was handpicked to serve on the predator control board by then Governor Ann Richards’ office. She also became the first breeder of Komondor guard dogs in the state of Texas and one of the first in the United States.

Joyce’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Killeen for 86 years, always greeting friends and strangers alike with a warm smile and a comforting hug. Each Easter, she loved having the congregation’s children over for an egg hunt to carry on the tradition her parents started. Enamored with the new baby lambs born, the children were none the wiser to how the eggs were hidden.

There’s quite the playful debate on whether she was Granda Joyce or Granna Joyce among the generations, but one thing is for certain, Joyce was devoted to her family and she treasured her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother without end. She was the proud mother of Fonda Rhoades (Fritze) and Brad Reavis (Pam); a loving grandmother to Brittainy Smith (Justin), Kyle Reser, Jake Reavis, Heston Reavis and Kala McCain (Kyle); and a loving great-grandmother to Cooper Smith, Bristol Smith, Kannon McCain and Finley McCain. She is also survived by sisters Janiece (Sam) Taffinder, Gaile Swoyer, Carlton (Bill) Sands, Sister in laws, Cleota Matheny, Charlene Reavis and numerous nieces, nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Christine Vahrenkamp, and her beloved husband, Newell Reavis. Her life was full — of laughter, service and the steady, enduring love she showed everyone she met. Her work ethic was unmatched, and her kindness was felt by all who knew her. Joyce’s spirit of kindness, gratefulness and happiness lives on in the memories she created and the lives she touched.

Joyce’s family is especially appreciative of the amazing care team at Lampasas Assisted Living for their dedication in caring for her and treating her as if she was a member of their own family. From the kindness in ensuring her hair and nails were well kept to making sure she always had what she needed, the level of generosity and genuine love shown for Joyce was a true blessing. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Jennifer, Jamie, Sarah, Aaron, Angelica, Jaslene, Gabby, Maleigha, Kamry, Veronica, Erika, Karysa and Margaret.

Visitation will be Thursday June 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Killeen. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Tobey Cemetery in Oakalla.

Memorials may be made to Killeen Youth Booster Club, Tobey Cemetery, or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen is handling arrangements.