Joyce Marie Kudrle (McMurphy)

Joyce was born on February 15, 1925 in Sioux City, Iowa.

She passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on June 23, 2017

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Robert E. Kudrle and her parents Ralph and Mabel McMurphy. She is survived by her daughter Barbara Loring (husband Jerry), and sons Steve Kudrle and Dr. William Kudrle (wife Teresa). She leaves behind her grandson, Christopher Kudrle, her sister, Mary Ann McElreath, her niece, Julia Bayless (husband Anthony and son Michael). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce met Bob, the love of her life, in Jr. High School in Sioux City. From that point on, they were inseparable. They married on July 1, 1944 in Gainesville, Texas and later settled in Iowa City where Bob attended the University of Iowa. After graduation, Bob joined Schlumberger and quickly rose through the ranks.

Like most oil-field families of the day, moving was the norm. For Bob, each move meant a new job. For Joyce, it meant a new state, a new city, a new house, new schools, new friends, etc. etc. etc. Over the next 30 years, the family moved 20 times! At the center of this vortex was Joyce, managing everything in her own quiet, efficient way.

After 40 years of marriage, Bob was suddenly taken away. Far from retiring, Joyce discovered a newfound independence. Over the next 30 years, she took regular (solo) trips to the Hill Country and beyond. She dove into visiting with friends, bridge, ceramics, playing piano, reading, along with being “Mom Central” for all holidays, birthday celebrations, etc.

Joyce’s energy level was legendary (and exhausting for those trying to keep up!). She rarely sat for any length of time. Even into her 90’s she could be seen regularly walking the neighborhood.

Joyce will be missed for many reasons; her quiet joy and optimism, her generosity of spirit. But mostly because she was always thinking of others more than herself. We, who had the privilege of knowing her, were the real beneficiaries

Joyce was a longtime member of First Methodist Church of Houston and volunteered for over 20 years at Memorial Area Ministries resale shop. She was also a proud member of Chapter AE, PEO Sisterhood since 1974. Joyce gave generously of her time and money to many causes, especially WWII veterans.

Special thanks to all of those who have loved and cared for Joyce over the years. May the grace that you bestowed on her be returned to you many times over. God bless you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, ALZ.org. or a charity of your choice.

SERVICE DETAILS
Please drop by and share your memories of Joyce and celebrate her life; Saturday, July 1, 2017, anytime between 2 & 5 pm, 8349 Winningham Ln. Houston, Texas, 77055.

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