Vigen Memorial Home obituary - Joyce J. Schevers, 76, Keokuk

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 Joyce Joanne Schevers, 76, of Keokuk was called home by the good Lord on Monday evening April 12, 2021 in the home she shared with her husband at 3490 Argyle Road. She passed peacefully at home and in the loving embrace of her family. Joyce’s life was an inspiration to her friends, family, and loved ones. She lived a life full of grace, kindness, and compassion, and a deep love for her lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

     Joyce was born on November 1, 1944 in Keokuk to her mother Madge Carroll Fenton and father Paul Fenton of Hamilton, Illinois. She spent her entire childhood in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1962. She later attended GEM City Business College in Quincy, Illinois where she graduated in 1963.

     Joyce married her husband of 57 years, Larry Ross Schevers of Keokuk, on December 21, 1963 in Carthage, Illinois. Together, Larry and Joyce raised four children, son Douglas John, daughter Larye Joanne, son Christopher Ray, and daughter Lori Lynne. Joyce partnered with her husband on many small business enterprises. She co-owned several advertising publications in Washington, Fairfield, Mt. Pleasant, and Oskaloosa. And was an instrumental part of two direct mail advertising companies, Mail Direct of Mississippi, and Mail Direct of Iowa. In an ambitious enterprise of her own, Joyce conceived, designed, produced, marketed, and sold a unique brand of Iowa Hawkeye gift wrapping paper which was sold across the state of Iowa. Scrapbooking, which became one of her passions, led her to a partnership in the Scrapbook Patch in Keokuk.  Joyce lovingly compiled two family history scrapbooks for each of her children, and kept a scrapbook for each grandchild.

     Joyce was member of the New Testament Christian Church, and a dedicated servant of her savior Jesus Christ. Very passionate about politics, Joyce was active with the Lee County Republican Party. She volunteered many times in political campaigns and was always eager to debate and seek converts to the GOP.

     Joyce Schevers is survived by her husband Larry Ross Schevers of Keokuk. Three children,  daughter Larye Joanne Thompson (Brad) of Macomb, Illinois, son Christopher Ray Schevers (Susan Jolynn) of Washington, Iowa, and daughter Lori Lynne Schevers of Keokuk. Seven grandchildren; Rachael Schevers of Washington, Iowa, Brantley Sanders (Faith) of Tiffin, Iowa, Kirbey Williams (Dan) of Coralville, Iowa Chandler Sanders of Nauvoo, Illinois, Judson Thompson of Iowa City, Iowa, Marlee Schevers of Long Beach, Mississippi, and Jackson Thompson of Macomb, Illinois. Three great grandchildren; Kase York of Washington, Iowa, Nora Harris of Washington, Iowa, Lena Graham of Washington, Iowa. Joyce is also survived by one sibling, her brother Allen Fenton of Hamilton, Illinois.

     Joyce was preceded in death by her son Douglas John Schevers of Hamilton, mother Madge Carroll Fenton of Hamilton, father Paul Fenton of Hamilton, sister Nancy Fenton Monroe of Hamilton, brother Jim Fenton of Des Moines, Iowa, sister Patricia “Patti” Fenton Mahoney of Hamilton, and great grandchild Rylie York of Washington, Iowa.

     Memorials may be made to the ALS Foundation.   

     The Schevers family will receive visitors Friday evening April 16, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Schevers residence at 3490 Argyle Road in Keokuk. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, April 17, at the New Testament Christian Church at 1578 Hilton Road in Keokuk.  Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are recommended at the church.

     The service will be lived streamed on the New Testament Christian Church Facebook page and on Joyce’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

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