Joyce Ellen (Rounkles) Mello, 79, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 4, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Joyce was born April 7, 1939 in Russell.  She was one of five children born to Chester L. and Elsie V. (Killian) Rounkles.  She grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise High School in 1957.

Joyce was united in marriage to John Joseph Mello, Jr. on April 23, 1960 in Topeka, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; John and Mary.  They made their home in Russell County.

Joyce was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She also worked for Klema’s Applemart as a Baker for over 33 years.  She was a member of TOPS #161.  She enjoyed reading, tending her flowers, playing games, watching college basketball, especially Kansas University and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving family include her son, John Mello (Shirley) of Desoto, Kansas; Mary Bushnell (Lonnie) of Gardner, Kansas; brother, Marvin Rounkles of O’Fallon, Illinois; sisters, Lois Bonar (Gene) of Cherryville, Kansas and Penny Loker (Gary) of McDonald, Kansas; and two grandsons, Chad Bushnell and Michael Mello; and great grandson, Brock Bushnell.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband John and sister Janice Rounkles.

A Memorial Service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  A private family burial of ashes will follow the services.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 9, 2019  at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with Melanoma Research Foundation .  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.