Joyce Stonecypher

December 15, 1955 – December 28, 2023

Joyce Stonecypher fell asleep peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends who will miss her dearly. She had been dealing with a serious health issue for several years; though the weight of this issue would have crushed the enthusiasm of most, she refused to let it define her. Her face always shined with the joy that was indicative of her strong Christian beliefs and character. One of her favorite verses comes from Nehemiah 8:10: “For this day is holy unto our Lord; neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joyce was born and raised in Washington, Illinois in a wonderful family with 5 siblings. She graduated high school in 1973 and went on to earn her Bachler’s degree in nursing from the University of Illinois College of Nursing. She worked as a nurse most of her life with her favorite field being neonatal care.

She met her husband Rich while working at The Way International Headquarters in New Knoxville, OH. They enjoyed doing many activities together like hiking, canoeing, biking, skiing, and ballroom dancing. The dancing sealed the deal for Rich; they were married in 1998.

They then moved to Massachusetts and served as lay ministers coordinating bible study groups. They were adventurous and enjoyed competing in an annual canoe race where you build a boat that will carry two people; then you race down a river for about 10 miles. One year they were maneuvering around a tight corner of the river and the boat sunk underneath them. Rich quickly assessed the situation and determined that his wife could swim but the boat couldn’t, so he saved the boat first then went back for his wife . . . . She never let him live that down!

At this time they became Foster parents. It was a joy for them to take care of kids whose home life wasn’t the best. But then difficult to let kids go that they became attached to. Then it became available for them to adopt two wonderful children, Laurie and Jonathan. They were now a family!

The Stonecypher family then moved to Michigan where they continued serving as lay ministers, worked their secular jobs, and raised two wonderful kids. Their favorite activity was cheering their kids on at whatever sport they happened to be playing. Seeing that Rich and Joyce started raising kids comparatively late in life, they considered it a blessing to have two kids who refused to let them sit in a chair and get old!

In 2016 they were offered an opportunity to move up to the mountains of Colorado and work at a Christian camp. It took them all of 10 seconds to accept that offer! (They were very thankful that they had already taught their kids to ski.) So for seven years Joyce had the privilege of serving God’s people while living in an absolutely gorgeous location. They counted their blessings every day.

The things Joyce deemed most important in life were supporting her husband, raising her two kids, and holding God’s Word and His promises steadfastly in her mind. Being a faithful minister to the family of God was her happy place. She was an excellent teacher; whether a small bible study or a group of 100 people, she always deemed it a privilege to be a spokesperson for God.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Ethel Bernson, Washington IL. She is survived by her husband Rich Stonecypher, her daughter Laurie (18) and her son Jonathan (17) who all reside in Gunnison CO. Four brothers: Rick (Linda) Bernson of Loveland CO; Willard Bernson of Washington, IL; Ed (Gina) Bernson of Champaign, IL; and Kevin (Schryll) Bernson of Shelbyville, IL. One sister: Karen (Tim) Watt of Washington, IL. Plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A recognition service will be held Saturday, January 13 at 1:30 PM in the auditorium at Camp Gunnison; 606 County Rd 9 Gunnison, CO 81230

Donations in her honor can be made to The Gunnison Valley Mentors. This is a great organization that has helped us tremendously. 

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