Joyce Ellen Dirks, 69, of Sioux City, Iowa died July 8th of 2020 at her home in Leeds. Services will be held privately with the family and arrangements made with Waterbury Funeral of Sioux City.

Joyce was born July 19, 1950 in Sioux City, IA., the daughter of Ernest and Laura Johnson. Joyce grew up in Sioux City and attended Central High School. Arlo met Joyce when she was a teenager and it was love at first sight. Arlo said the first time he saw her; she was sitting with his sister Bonnie and knew she was the one, the love of his life, the mother of his children, and the sweetest grandma to all of their grandchildren. They were married October 11, 1967 and spent 52 years happily married and made 3 beautiful children.

Joyce worked as a supervisor at Donnelly Marketing in her younger years and later worked as a waitress for over 25 years at the Diamond Horseshoe and Crystal Cafe in South Sioux City. Joyce loved a lot of things. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning a variety of vegetables (she made the best apple butter). She also had a knack for growing flowers and had the most beautiful flower gardens around her house. A classic grandma, she loved to spoil her grandkids and was remembered for her awesome Thanksgivings and the best pumpkin pie in town. She loved to cook food that made others smile. A woman who always knew what she wanted, she was fierce and feisty and always had a zinger for Arlo that would make us laugh. Holidays were always magical and Joyce always had the decorations to match. She always went above and beyond for her family and gave them some of their happiest memories.

Throughout almost half a century, Joyce and Arlo's love held strong. They truly loved each other through thick and thin. Her mind may have faded, but her love for Arlo never did. They were best friends until the end. Even when times were difficult, Joyce always wanted to find Arlo, and he was always there by her side.

Survivors of Joyce include her loving husband, Arlo of Sioux City; her 3 children, Jason Dirks, Lori (Jeff) Bourassa, and Brian Dirks, all of Sioux City. 8 grandchildren, Laken Dirks, Allie Bourassa, Amber Bourassa, and Abbie Bourassa, Morgan Hough, Chloe and Jakob Dirks, and Jackson Brandt, 3 brothers Ernest (Judy) Johnson, of Council Bluffs IA., Kenneth (Colleen) Johnson, of Sioux City and Bruce Johnson of Sioux City.

Joyce will be preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Laura; a granddaughter, Whitney Dirks; and sister-in-law Vicki Johnson.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations and cards to be sent to Arlo Dirks, 3298 Floyd Blvd, Sioux City Iowa 51108.