Joyce Kuper, age 74, of Oakley, passed away on August 2, 2023 at the Logan County Hospital, Oakley.  She was born on December 23, 1948 at Beatrice, NE to Harold Roland and Alverna Arlene (Hill) Salts.  She married Rolland L. Kuper on April 3, 1965 in Lincoln, NE.  Joyce was a housewife and school bus driver for USD #274.

From a young age, Joyce found her calling as a wife, homemaker, and caregiver.  There is no greater calling.  Her caregiver calling led Joyce and Ron to open their home to her mother, mother-in-law, siblings, grandchildren, and a few nephews over the years.  If you walked in the door, you were more than likely going to eat something before you left.  Anyone and everyone was welcome at her table.  On top of feeding her family, she loved crafting.  Many were impressed with the variety of crafting projects she would take on.  It was tradition that she made a blanket for every high school graduate in the family.  As the family grew and she aged, she tried her best to keep up!  Rarely will you meet a woman who could memorize birthdays and anniversaries like Joyce did.  The way she cared for her family was a wonderful example to all the young wives who knew her.  Her true joy in life was to be surrounded by family, and she loved phone calls where she would catch up on new events and laugh about old times.  Joyce was sassy with a stubborn streak as strong as the Kansas wind.  Her family has endless memories of the love she had for them.  Almost daily Joyce said, "A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."  No doubt when we see her again, those will be the first words out of her mouth.

Joyce is survived by her husband Rolland of the home, two sons:  Rodney Kuper (Kandi) of Brewster and Richard Kuper (Tishia) of Colby:  two daughters:  Tammy Holsman (Kevin) of Pinedale, WY and Tanya Kuper of Oakley; a brother James Huff of Oakley, 14 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren, and a Great-Great Granddaughter.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Alverna Salts, her brother Donald Salts and sister-in-law Judy Salts.

A Celebration of Life Service is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, Oakley with Pastor Bob Kelly officiating.  Burial will follow in the Oakley Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, August 11th at the funeral home and family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m.

Memorial to the Joyce Kuper Memorial Fund may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS  67748.

Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com.