Joyce M. Steinle, 78, died on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas.
She was born in Russell, KS on August 26, 1934, the daughter of George Steinle Jr. and Martha E. (Galyardt) Steinle. Joyce graduated from Russell High School and was Drum Major of the Band for three years. She excelled in this endeavor and was lauded by many for the way she led the marching band and for twirling shows at the halftime of basketball games. During her later years in high school and after, Joyce worked with her mother in the popular family restaurant, Martha’s Café. During her mother’s reclining years and after her mother’s death in 1976, Joyce managed and worked in Martha’s Café. After closing the restaurant, Joyce worked in the Russell Inn Restaurant and then was an employee at Russell Regional Hospital in the kitchen. When her health permitted, Joyce was an avid walker and many Russell residents would comment about seeing her walk long distances from her home in the early evenings. Many times, she was accompanied by one of her dogs, which she adored through the years.
Joyce was a lifetime active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. In addition to her giving to her church, she was a generous contributor to many charitable organizations both locally and nationally.
Joyce is survived by her brother Leonard G. Steinle and wife, Nancy. Additionally, she was very loving to other family members, including niece Lenette Johnson and husband, Steve; nephew Kirk Steinle and wife Denise; nephew Dr. Brad Steinle and wife Monica; and niece Melanie Steinle and fiancé Randy Watson. Other survivors include grand nieces and nephews; Adrian, Kirsten, Kayla, Juliana, Alex, Jacob and Jenna.
Memorial Services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell on Monday, October 15 at 10:30 AM. Cremation has preceded the service. The register book will be available for guests to sign from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Friday, October 12, 2012 at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Russell Food Pantry, Hays Humane Society and Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.