peacefully on July 30, 2025.
Born on December 5, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joyce was the
daughter of Dennis and Elsie DeKorver. She attended Hope College, where
she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and met her husband of 50
years, John Kieft. Joyce inspired hundreds of students throughout her
career as an English and Latin teacher. She was known for her sharp wit,
her deep knowledge of the English language and her love of Wordle, a
daily ritual she enjoyed sharing with her son and grandsons.
Joyce was happily married to John Kieft until his passing in 2016. She
is survived by her son, Brian Kieft, and her grandsons, Eli (17) and
Evan (13), who were the lights of her life. She is preceded in death by
her husband and her parents. Joyce will be laid to rest at Oak Hill
Memorial Park in Escondido, California with her parents.
