Joyce Katherine Toews

Joyce Katherine Toews, was born on January 4, 1938, in Dalhart, Texas to Abraham and Esther Esau Schmidt. She peacefully passed away at the Moundridge Manor, Moundridge, Kansas on Christmas day, 2021, reaching the age of 83 years. She had five siblings, one younger and four older than her. At the age of three she moved from Dalhart, Texas with her parents to Halstead, Kansas where she lived until she was married. She received her education at the Prairie Flower School near Halstead. At the age of thirteen she was converted and then baptized by Min Carl J. Dirks on April 20, 1951 at Halstead, Kansas. She remained faithful to her vows until the end.

As a young lady, she assisted her brother and sister-in-law with their first child while they were in 1-W service in Kansas City. There she met Dad, (Eugene Toews), who was also in 1-W service. They were married on December 1st, 1957 and shared 64 years together. This union was blessed with 4 sons. Soon after they were married, they moved from Kansas City to Hutchinson, and then to Halstead. In the fall of 1972, they moved to a farm near Pisek, ND. As our parents neared retirement, they moved to Grafton. In the fall of 2016 she was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma. She endured brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. God granted her five more years. After Mom's health started to decline again, they moved to Moundridge, KS. A year ago her cancer returned, and Mom struggled bravely with its debilitating effects. She was an uncomplaining person and bore her disease with patience.

Our mother was a lover of flowers and an avid gardener. She was a skilled homemaker, excelled in cooking, and helped willingly with the farm work. After they retired, she also developed her artistic talent with china painting, leaving us with many special painted pieces. Mom was reserved and quiet in social settings, but was compassionate and made those close to her feel special. Her quiet humor and gentle smile will be missed.

She spent many years together with Dad giving time in Ukraine, North Carolina CPS Unit, Latvia, and Grenada. She willingly gave herself to the Lord's service even though it meant some lonely times.

Mom is survived by her husband Eugene R. Toews, four sons; Gary, and wife Elda Mae, Burns, Kansas; Randy, and wife Bonnie, Livingston, California; Bruce, and wife Susan, Pisek, North Dakota; Travis, and wife Juliann, Grifton, North Carolina; 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; one brother, Merle Schmidt, and two sisters, Marjorie Schmidt and MaryAnn Buller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Esther Schmidt, and two sisters, Luanna Delores Schmidt and Betty Friesen.

The family is sad at her passing, but thankful that her suffering is over. We wish to express our thankfulness for the care provided by the kind people at Pine Village, Moundridge Manor, and the Good Shepherd hospice nurses.

Funeral Services will be Friday, December 31, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church, rural Grafton.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the church cemetery.  Family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Grace Mennonite Church in Halstead, Kansas.  Memorial contributions may be made to Moundridge Manor in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, Kansas 67107.