AMES, Iowa—Joyce Marie Kirk, 83, of Ames, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, after spending several wonderful days over the holidays with her daughters, grandchildren and great-granddaughters.
She was born and raised in Boone, Iowa, arriving on April 10, 1942. Joyce was the daughter of William and Ruth Miller and sister to several brothers and sisters. She married the love of her life, Larry Gene Kirk, on November 22, 1958, in Webster City and they remained loving partners until Larry’s passing in May 2025. They raised their daughters, Shelly and Kim, in Boone and moved to Ames in 1988.
Professionally, Joyce worked for many years at Sauer Danfoss as a buyer and retired as purchasing manager from Eagle Iron Works in 2004.
Joyce had the biggest heart and was a dear friend to many. Her family was her biggest pride and joy, and she attended all of their activities. Throughout her life she served as a Camp Fire Girls leader, PTA president and member, and sewed many dance and Halloween costumes of her daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters. After retirement, she and Larry spent several winters in southern Texas. She also participated in the Boone Red Hat Society, a local P.E.O. chapter, and belonged to a dominos group. Joyce was a big ISU sports fan and enjoyed cheering for Iowa State football and men’s and women’s basketball.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Shelly Stotts of Boone and Kim Blonigen of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren Allison Larson, Kaitlyn Gibbs (Austin), Alex Blonigen and Eric Blonigen; great-grandchildren Addison and Ava Larson and Alaina Gibbs. She is preceded in death by her parents, several siblings, husband Larry, and sons-in-law Jeff Stotts and Brad Blonigen.
Memorial services for Joyce will be held on Saturday, January 10, with visitation at 10 a.m. and funeral following at 11, at the First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave., in Ames. It will also be streamed and can be viewed by going to YouTube.com/@amesfirstumc and find it in the “upcoming” list. She will be laid to rest at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone on a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ames First United Methodist Church at the address above or online at https://onrealm.org/fumcames/-/form/give/now .
Joyce Kirk, 83, Ames, Iowa
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