Joyce was born November 27, 1932, in Dupree, South Dakota. She was the second-to-youngest of 8 children born to Carl and Lorna (Robertson) Vance. During her life she was an extraordinary teacher, a much-loved sister and aunt, and a faithful and fun-loving friend. She will also be remembered for her abiding love of animals, most especially her feline companions.

Joyce graduated from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD, in 1957. While at Northern, she was named Gypsy Day homecoming queen in 1956. Her teaching career spanned more than 30 years during which she first taught in Selby and Watertown, SD, and later in California. In each location she made lifelong friends and lasting memories. Her first job in California was in 1959 as the Girl Scout Field Director in San Bernardino, CA. In 1963 she began teaching in the Sanger (California) Unified School District as a 3rd grade teacher in Centerville, CA. For the next 27 years she educated the community's children and forged strong relationships with the families and children she served.

She was honored with awards for her exceptional service in the field of education, including being named "Educator of the Year" by the Sanger Chamber of Commerce and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, both in 1991.

In retirement she remained busy with her books, her yard and garden (her own and others), travel, volunteering and pet sitting for her friends. She died January 1, 2015, at her home in Sanger.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents; her brothers, Dale and Wayne Vance; and her sister, Shirley Vance Menzel. She is survived by sisters, Wilma Vance Cowan, Rapid City, SD, Wanda Vance Dexheimer, and Marilyn Vance Wenlund, both of Spearfish, SD; a brother, Donald Dean Vance, Spearfish, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials to Joyce may be directed to the Northern State University Foundation & Alumni Association, Beckman Building, 620 15th Avenue SE, Aberdeen, S.D. 57401; the Ziebach County Historical Society, PO Box 452, Dupree, SD 57623; Cat House on the Kings, 7120 South Kings River Road, Parlier, CA; or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services in South Dakota will be held at a later date.

A celebration of life gathering for Joyce Vance will be held on Sunday, February 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 920 Main St., Spearfish, SD.

Condolences may be sent to the family at this address: Family of Joyce Vance, P.O. Box 9191, Rapid City, SD 57709.