Joyce Ann Keller, 76, of Hiawatha, died Wednesday morning, April 15, 2015, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha where she was a resident for five years.

She was born September 9, 1938, at Fullerton, California, one of four children born to Frank and Marion Modie Vance.  She grew up in California where she attended school prior to attending training to be a LPN.  She lived most of her life in the Kansas City/Independence, Missouri area, working as an LPN in hospitals and home health.  The last 13 years of her working life, she spent working in nursing homes in the Kansas City area, retiring in 1995, due to her eye sight failing.  In December of 1997, she moved to Morrill, Kansas to make her home prior to moving to Pemberton Villages Apartments.

Joyce was an artist, painter, and seamstress.

Survivors include a son Michael (Sharon) Crowe of Hiawatha; a daughter Kathy Ann Elliott Kansas City, MO two brothers: James Vance of Sheldall, Iowa, Thomas Vance of Springfield, MO;  a sister Frances Potter of Hiawatha; 7 grandchildren;   and 5 great-grandchildren; with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son Donald Eugene Crowe, Jr., and her beloved seeing eye dog and companion Rugby.

Cremation is planned with Celebration of life service planned First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hiawatha, at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2015.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Pilot Dogs for the Blind, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, who is in charge of arrangements.
A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com