Joyce Rouse, 87, Boone, Iowa
BOONE, Iowa—Joyce Ann Rouse, age 87, of Boone, passed away at the Eastern Star Home in Boone, Iowa, on July 25, 2026. She was born on September 23, 1938, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Rodney and Mary (Smith) Ervin. She was a graduate of Ottumwa High School and the University of Iowa College of Nursing.
On June 4, 1961, she married Wayne Rouse in Iowa City. Joyce and Wayne lived in Saginaw, Michigan during his medical internship, and Joyce worked as a nurse in a hospital there. They later lived on Midway Island while Wayne was in the Navy. Their daughter Diana was born during their time on Midway.
In 1964, they made their home in Boone, Iowa. Wayne began his medical practice, and Joyce became a full-time homemaker. Their son, David, was born in 1966.
Joyce enjoyed being involved in many local organizations. When she saw a need, she became a passionate champion of the cause. Advocating for adult crossing guards to the city council, working to provide for families in the community with the Salvation Army, leading the Sunday School program at her church, or serving on the committee to oversee a huge church renovation project were a few rewarding projects she devoted herself to. She was also a long-time member of Chapter NP PEO.
She loved to host people in her home, whether it was a basement full of her children’s friends, a house full of family at Christmas, or friends for couples’ bridge club or a dinner party. She loved to cook and was so proud of her gigantic cookbook collection. Needlepoint was an important hobby for her. She created many special projects- from Christmas stockings for the family to a piano bench cover.
Joyce dearly loved her children, but life took on a whole new dimension for her when she became a grandmother. She filled her home with everything young children might need so it would be easy for her family to visit their Gram. She was passionate about spending time with 3 grandsons in Boone, and 2 granddaughters in Florida. Joyce was the kind of grandmother who was always willing to jump into action and would never say no to spending time with her grandkids. She would often ask her grandchildren, “Have I told you lately that I love you?” and remind them, “Your Gram is always in your corner.” Wayne and Joyce spent many winters in Florida at their son Dave’s house and also on Hollywood Beach.
She thrived in the sunshine and hot weather. Joyce loved driving with the top down in her red Mustang convertible. She and Wayne often drove through Ledges State Park at dusk to look for deer. Gardening in her yard and lying on the beach during visits to Florida were restorative to her. Pets were an important part of her life as well. A brown poodle named Coco and a white bichon named Muffy were her companions over the years. Her need to nurture even extended to the raccoons in the ravine near her home.
Wayne and Joyce loved to travel together, and she enjoyed wonderful memories of the places they were able to visit.
Late in life, Joyce learned the fun of becoming a great-grandmother, anticipating visits from little boys, and sneaking them candy when the other adults weren’t looking.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dick Ervin, her husband Wayne, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her daughter Diana Byriel and husband Perry of Boone, her son David Rouse and wife Linda of Cooper City, Florida, grandchildren Joe (Erin) Byriel of Afton, MN, Ben (Erica) Byriel of Plantation, FL, Megan (Matt) Trejo of Charlottesville, VA, Sam (Sarah) Byriel of Boone, IA, and Lauren Rouse of Boston, MA. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Jack, Hank, Brody, and Oliver Byriel, sister-in-law Kay Rouse of Terril, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Boone, with Pastor Adam Gordon officiating. Visitation will be before the service from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Interment will be at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boone Methodist Church Foundation, the Boone Area Humane Society, or the Boone Salvation Army.
The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with these arrangements.
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