Joyce S. Bamsch's Obituary
Most people know her as Bill’s wife, Jodi’s mom, Keith’s mom, Janice’s mom, Aunt Joyce or Gma. But, her real name is Elna Joyce Smith who was born Tuesday, December 3, 1935. Joyce was the youngest of Luther and Edna Smith’s eleven children. After graduating from Enigma High School, Joyce went to Chicago to spend the summer visiting her brother Glynn and his wife June. During her stay in Chicago, she started working at Kemper Insurance. It was there she met Wilfred “Bill” Bamsch. On May 28, 1955, in a private ceremony in the pastor’s office, Bill and Joyce were married.In December 1955, Bill and Joyce moved to Texas to set up home. Within a couple years, Bill started his career at Texas Instruments while Joyce began her career as a wife and mother. Birth certificates list Joyce as the mother of four children. However, over the years, she became mom to many others.When the children were young, Joyce was as a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. There she served as a Sunday School teacher, Stephen’s Minister, LWML member and leader, Youth leader, Tuesday morning painter and all-round volunteer. After their children were older, Joyce and Bill moved to Plano. They joined Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Joyce was active in Women’s Bible Study, taught Sunday School, started the LWML group at Lord of Life and participated in other volunteer opportunities. In addition, she was an amazing cook for her entire family, especially as it grew larger. Lastly, Joyce was a lover of all animals. Her love of and kindness to dogs and cats was handed down to her children and countless others.Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents by birth and marriage, Luther and Edna Smith and Carl and Louise Bamsch and her siblings. She is survived by her children Keith and Brenda Bamsch, Joanne Keeney, Ted Bamsch and Janice Sullivan and grandchildren, Erica (Franklin) Milliren, Jeremy (Lauren) Bamsch, Jennifer (Triston) Gray, David Bamsch, Mary Whirley, Elizabeth (Rachel) Boenigk, Doug Sullivan and Leialynn Milliren.Funeral services will be at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas on Saturday June 15, 2019. Service is at 11 am with viewing prior to service.In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lord of Life Lutheran Church 3601 W. 15th St. Plano, TX 75075..Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery.
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