Oaks, Joyce Ellen (Watson)

Joyce Ellen (Watson) Oaks, 66, of 3701 Second St., Coralville, died peacefully with her family present at Mercy Hospice on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Private cremation rites have been accorded. A visitation and memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church in Tiffin, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 8, memorial service and luncheon immediately following. Inurnment will be at Soldier Valley Cemetery in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mercy Hospital Hospice.

Joyce Ellen Watson was born Nov. 19, 1945, the daughter of H.R. “Cy” Watson and Joy Erma (Hamer) Watson. She grew up in Missouri Valley, Iowa, where she completed high school. She moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa nursing program and graduated as an LPN. Joyce married John Oaks in 1965 in Iowa City, and she lived in the local area since. John preceded Joyce in death in 2007. Joyce worked as a nurse at the University Hospital before working at Mercy Iowa City, where she remained for 38 years.

As a young woman Joyce was active in 4H and enjoyed both barrel riding and showing horses. A fun loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She was a very loyal and kindhearted woman. She enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren and attending their activities. She had a wonderful sense of humor that always made those around her smile. She will be greatly missed by so many.

She is survived by her two daughters, Gayle Oaks of Iowa City, and her children, Riley, Jacey and John Clark, and Joy (John) Casper of Coralville, and their daughters, Whitney Williams and Brooklyn Casper.

Joyce was preceded in death by both her mother and father.

Published in The Gazette Sept. 5, 2012.