Joyce Marie Ferris passed away at home in the early morning hours of Monday, July 31, 2023. Joyce was surrounded by her loving family as she passed peacefully and began her new journey. Joyce had fought a valiant battle with esophageal cancer over the past twelve months. Many thanks go out to the KU Med Cancer Center, Westwood, KS campus, and Vitas Healthcare staff members that Joyce came to know on a first name basis. She loved and appreciated each of you.
Joyce was born as Joyce Marie Haun in Wenatchee, WA on September 11, 1954. She was the third of five children in the Richard and Eleanor Haun family. The Haun’s moved to Prairie Village, KS when Joyce was two. The house on Tomahawk Lane put her within walking distance of school, Prairie Village Shopping Center and a neighborhood full of like aged children.
Joyce graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School and then spent two years attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS where she also worked as a travel agent. Joyce left her studies after two years and went to work full-time in the travel industry. She soon began a career with Trans World Airlines that would last twenty years. She had three different positions during her tenure, first as an instructor at Breech Training Academy in Overland Park, KS, second in the Marketing Department in New York City and finally as a Supervisor in the Tele Mail Department in Kansas City, MO. Over the next two decades Joyce would work for the Shawnee Mission School District for 16 years and then wrapped up her career at Haun Potato Company, working alongside her older brother David, who ran the family business. David and Joyce both retired on December 31, 2019.
On October 26, 1985, Joyce eloped with Ronald Jay Ferris to a destination wedding in San Luis Obispo, CA. Ron and Joyce had a wonderful, loving marriage that produced two loving and successful children that were inspired by Joyce. She kept them busy with scouting, sports and academic studies. The couple raised the family in a home in Shawnee, KS that now plays host as a gathering spot for the Ferris family, including Camp Gammy to her two grandchildren.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Richard W. Haun, her mother Eleanor E. Haun and brother Robert Haun. She leaves behind her husband of thirty-seven years Ron Ferris, Shawnee, KS, daughter Lauren Ferris Murray (David) of Elkhart, IN and Matthew Ferris (Andrea), and grandchildren Jackson (10) and Kennedy (3) of Shawnee, KS, siblings David Haun (Sally) of Lenexa, KS, Andy Haun (Kate Conrad) of Overland Park, KS, Peggy Golden (Greg Brandvig) of Los Alamos, CA. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and loving friends coast to coast.
Joyce’s bright and spunky spirit, along with a beautiful face and smile, lit up every room that she ever entered. She was an incredible chef and baker. Her Christmas and dinner parties were looked forward to with great anticipation by all. Joyce leaves behind a wonderful, loving family that misses her already. Her legacy lives on. We love you, Joyce. Until we see you again.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to: KU Medical Center, Westwood, KS or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.