Noakes, Joyce E. January 29, 1950 - August 20, 2021

Joyce Elaine (Blevins) Noakes was a resident of the Ohio community of rural Lowry City, Missouri. She was born on January 29th, 1950, in Junction City, Kansas to Orville Raymond and Evelyn (Yell) Blevins. She graduated to her heavenly home on August 20th, 2021.

At one month old, the family moved to Pleasanton, Kansas. Pleasanton was home for her first thirteen years, where the family ran Blevins Dairy, a Grade A dairy. She was adored by her brothers, Rayford, Dewayne, Orville “Hoot,” and Dennis. Her early years were spent playing ball, fishing, ice skating, and horseback riding. She took dance lessons, with dreams of becoming a professional dancer. She loved her dad’s hunting dogs and helping with their care.

In 1963, her family moved to Missouri and the Pleasant Gap community. These years were some of her fondest. She looked forward to Saturday trips to Butler for grocery shopping, going to the library, and enjoying the older women who would show off their crochet and other handywork. She loved the country, church at Pleasant Gap Christian, 4-H, and her school and church friends. Her brother Denny was her best friend when young, and served as her hunting, fishing, and exploring buddy. With her mom, she enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and growing pretty houseplants. She especially looked forward to trips to visit her Oklahoma family.

In 1966 she moved to Appleton City, Missouri, where she worked as a nurse’s aide during high school. She graduated in 1968 from Appleton City, as Valedictorian. Joyce earned her beauty license in 1969 and enjoyed serving the Ballard and Spruce communities, but desired to further her education. She studied Family and Consumer Science and Elementary Education at the University of Central Missouri. She later taught elementary, home economics, and remedial math in Hudson, Ballard, Appleton City, Osceola, and Mulvane, Kansas.

In 1984, Joyce married Gary L. Noakes. They enjoyed almost 37 years together on the family farm. Together they hosted many family gatherings, took a number of trips, and loved checking the cattle. She served as President and was an active member of the St Clair County Women’s Republicans. She also served as a member of the St Clair County Central Committee. She was a dedicated member of River Church in Warsaw, Missouri, and was passionate about sharing her faith with others. She volunteered at WINGS Refuge, and had a heart for helping women and children in need.

The ultimate joy of her life was her four children, Annette, Carrie, Matthew, and Luke. She especially loved the role of Nanny to her ten grandchildren. She greatly valued her faith and family and enjoyed researching her family history.

Joyce was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn Dodson, stepfather Duane Dodson, father Orville Blevins, brothers Rayford Blevins, Orville “Hoot” Leonard, Dennis Blevins, and Don Blevins.

Joyce is survived by her husband Gary Noakes, Lowry City; daughter Annette (Eads) Bradley & husband Pauley, Austin, Lauren & Addison, De Soto, KS; daughter Carrie (Eads) Knuth & husband Jeremy, Abigail, Carlie, Madelyn & Brady, De Soto, KS; son Matthew Noakes & wife Jennie, Trey & Kaylie, Lowry City; & son Luke Noakes, Brecken, Lowry City. She is also survived by her brother Dewayne Blevins & wife Mary, Janesville, CA. Joyce also loved her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of family and friends.