Dec 23, 1935 – Apr 2, 2017

Joyce Ann Eikenbary, a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2017. Joyce was born to Raymond and Velma Miller on December 23, 1935. She grew up in Yutan, Nebraska with her two younger sisters, Janet and Bonnie. Joyce met the love of her life, Clarence William “Ike” Eikenbary, Jr. in high school, and they were married on October 16, 1954. Together they traveled to Europe and lived overseas in Germany while he was in the service. After moving back to Omaha, they had two children, Susan and David. They were happily married until Ike passed away suddenly in 1987.

Joyce attended Nebraska Wesleyan College and was an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She later graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in teaching. Joyce enjoyed music—she played both the accordion and the piano, and she loved to go square dancing.

A longtime teacher with District 66 and Omaha Public Schools, Joyce started the English Second Language program at District 66, and later also taught ESL for Omaha Public Schools. She was passionate about education, especially helping children from other cultures who were new to this country, and received the Alpha Delta Kappa award for 50 years of membership.  She was also actively involved with the Sunday School at Bethel Lutheran Church for decades.

Joyce was one of the classiest dressers you’ve ever seen and even won the award for Best Dressed in her retirement community several years in a row. She loved Beautiful perfume, shopping at Chico’s, and relaxing with her cat. She volunteered regularly as an Ambassador at the Orpheum and Omaha Community Playhouse. In her later years, Joyce loved talking on the phone with her daughter and sisters, having a Schlotzky’s sandwich with various family members, and spending time with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Rachel, Lexi, Will and Jack.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Velma, and her husband, Ike. She is survived by her sisters, Janet Ballou (Earl) and Bonnie Lindquist (Skip); children, Susan Graves (Bill) and Dave Eikenbary (Amy); granddaughters, Rachel and Lexi Graves; grandsons, Will and Jack Eikenbary; sister-in-law, Wanda Stuck; nieces, Jill Hambley and Brooke Blanke; nephews: Kerry and Bret Anderson, Mark Bryant, and Beau Blanke. The family wishes to thank the staff at Fountain View, AkSarBen Memory Care, and Serene Hospice for their loving care and support at the end of her life.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 4th from 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd.  SERVICES Wednesday, April 5th at 11am, Bethel Lutheran Church, 1312 So. 45 St.  Private interment, Evergreen Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Bethel Lutheran Church.