1/18/2021 10:20:00 AM Private family funeral for Joyce Collins planned for Jan. 23 at SUMC
Joyce L. Collins, 86, a lifelong resident of Stewartville, died on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 of natural causes at the Stewartville Care Center where she had been a resident for a short period of time. Joyce Lorraine Stapleton was born on Jan. 21, 1934 in High Forest to Eben and Myrtle (Cary) Stapleton. She grew up in High Forest and attended school in Stewartville. Joyce was married on March 14, 1952 at the United Methodist Church in Rochester to Duane Collins. The couple moved to the Collins family farm, where they raised their family, farmed, and made their home for all 63 years of their marriage. Joyce was a homemaker and farmwife and with Duane and their sons, enjoyed raising horses and cattle on their farm. Mr. Collins died on Nov. 6, 2015. Joyce enjoyed time spent with family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce is survived by two sons, Rick and Pat, both of rural Stewartville; four grandchildren, Lisa Yeadon, Tyler Collins, Joshua Collins, and Emma Collins; honorary grandchild, Jenny (Curt) Kiefer; three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Kyle and Brenna Yeadon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane, her son, Steven, her parents, and two brothers. A private family funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 at Stewartville United Methodist Church with Rev. Laura Nordstrom officiating. A time of visitation for friends and family will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at the church with masks required and safe social distancing protocols in place. A committal service and burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Pleasant Grove. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Joyce are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
