Joyce Dierks

Joyce Dierks passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021, in Basin, Wyo.

Joyce was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to George N. and Winifred E. Myers on January 4, 1931. Due to her father's career in the U.S. Army, the family lived in various places during Joyce's growing up years including Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii and Wyoming. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1949. Joyce married Dale Maxwell that same year. They had two children, John Robert and Jenny Lynn. They later divorced and Joyce met and married the love of her live, Jerry G. Dierks of Ranchester on July 10, 1956. Together they had two sons, Jay Adam and Jeffrey Lee. The family lived in Lovell, Basin, Torrington/Lingle, and lastly, Thermopolis due to Jerry's job.

Joyce was known for her beautiful singing voice and applied it to church, choir, weddings, funerals, groups (Holy Cats) and other special occasions. At Sheridan High School, in her yearbook, she was referred to as "the prettiest songbird in America".

Joyce was an excellent homemaker and took great pride in her home. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. Joyce was unfailingly kind, polite, and humble as noted by those who has the privilege to work with her and know her. She had such a fun sense of humor that was so appreciated.

She entered the Pioneer Home (Thermopolis) in 2015 and then due to declining health she moved to the Wyoming Retirement Center in Basin in 2019.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Jenny Kaser of Ranchester; sons, Jay Dierks of Denver and Jeff Dierks of Thermopolis; grandchildren, Cody Kaser of Colorado Springs, Kyle Farman of Powell, Tracy Dierks of McCordsville, Ind., Kari Slattery of Omahah, Josh and Ashley Dierks of Virginia; daughter-in-law, Karen Direks of Omaha; and sister, Mary Jean Lichtenham of Washington.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jerry in 2009; son, John in 2001; sisters, Shirley Drieling and Dorothy Marosok; and her parents.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held in May with Mortimore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements in Thermopolis. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Stillwater Hospice in Thermopolis.