Dec 24, 1941---Nov 22, 2025

Joyce grew up on 11th street in St. Joseph, Missouri. She passed away peacefully on November 22, surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was a graduate of the Convent of the Sacred Heart - Class of 1959. Her fondest memories include dancing with her sweetheart, Bob, at the sock hops. Married to Bob for 64 years, Joyce was very proud of their large family - 6 children, 23 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

A daily Mass attendant, Joyce loved the Catholic Church and instilled in her children a strong sense of duty and faithfulness. She had many great friends and enjoyed playing cards or going dancing on a Saturday night.

Joyce also enjoyed cooking, knitting, water-aerobics, and telling you exactly what she thought. If it was your birthday, she knew it. One of her trademarks was calling to sing “Happy Birthday” and her grandchildren eagerly awaited this call every year. Her own birthday on Christmas Eve was the biggest family celebration of the year and she revelled in the attention showered on her.

Joyce will be greatly missed by many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Esther Gawatz, her brothers Don and Nelson, and her brothers-in-law Melvin and David.

Joyce is survived by her sisters: Millie, Sharon (Roger), and Karen (Bob); her loving husband, Bob; their children: Greg (Amy), Rick (Mary), Ann (Mike), Jane (Joe), Mary (Joe), and Therese (Sean); their 23 grandchildren: Andrew (Becca), Julia (Michael), David, Thomas (Lizzy), Isabel (Tanner), Johnny, Frank (Haley), John (Hannah), Joe (Annie), Bobby, Blaise, Caroline, Jack, Maggie, Annie, Gertie, Susie, Gus, Leo, Beatrix, Peter, Willa, and Rafe; and 14 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Clement, Agnes, Adeline, Blaise, Faustina, Hank, Theodore, Rosemary, Benedict, Charlie, Ambrose, Nellie and Michael.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Andrew the Apostle, in Gladstone, Missouri. The family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m.

Memorial contributions suggested to the St. Pius X Legacy Campaign. Click here to donate

 

 

 



Condolences

Judy Johnson Nov 24, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I was blessed to be Joyce's Hospice volunteer for two years. She never knew a stranger. We both attended daily mass when possible. Joyce was on a fast track to heaven. Joyce knew every old movie and the title, every old song and could sing them, and every recipe anyone could need . She loved ham salad, so I made it for her. Joyce was so much fun, and I was blessed to call her friend. We shared so many laughs. I can still hear her calling, Bob, Bob, if he wasn't within the kitchen area.

Joann Brown Nov 25, 2025

Family friend ,Knoxville ,Tennessee

My deepest sympathy to everyone. Although, I have not seen Mrs. Ringel for many years, I always enjoyed her "tell it like it is" attitude. I went to school with Greg from kindergarten to high-school and then my son went to school with Therese, so I knew her when I was afraid she was going to yell at me (and I'm sure I would have deserved it) and as a parent who I could laugh with at our kids schools functions. May she rest in peace.

Moira McAnany Nov 25, 2025

Sending our love to the whole Ringel family from the Quinn and McAnany families. She was such a special woman and I know God is giving her a loving embrace. Praying for you all for strength during this hard time.

Jac Mansell Nov 25, 2025

Neighbor ,Kansas City ,Missouri

4th of July 2010. First time I met Joyce, my wife and I came to look at the house next door to her and Bob. I tell everyone her and Bob sold us the house... because my wife and I wanted to be their neighbors after 15 minutes. I would shovel the snow and get up near the door and she'd have a bag of cookies or other baked goods. Always a smile on her face. I'm blessed to have been her neighbor. My thoughts and prayers with Bob, and all of the family.

clair v duensing Nov 25, 2025

friend ,Beatrice ,Nebraska

Sorry to hear of your loss. Joyce was a very special person. Thinking of you all. Love Clair and Shirley Duensing.

Karen Morehouse Nov 25, 2025

Friend ,KC ,Missouri

My deepest sympathy to the family. We were neighbors and friends for many years. We had lots of talks over the fence and a few walks as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless, Karen M.

Michael Smith Nov 27, 2025

friend ,St. Joseph ,Missouri

Bob and I were classmates at CB. I did not know Joyce very well but always found her friendly and clearly a super person. Condolences to Bob and family and, especially Joyce's sister, Millie. Mike

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
St. Andrew the Apostle
Address:
6415 NE Antioch Rd.
City:
Gladstone
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64119
Date:
Nov 29, 2025
Time:
9:00 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
St. Andrew the Apostle
Address:
6415 NE Antioch Rd.
City:
Gladstone
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64119
Date:
Nov 29, 2025
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map: