Joyce L. Murphy, 92 of Sioux City, Iowa passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022 at a local hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Services will be held 10:00am Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Avenue. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm with a time of sharing at 6pm Thursday, April 7, at the funeral home.

Joyce was born to Albert and Mae (Rothman) Wegher on December 31, 1929, in Newcastle, Wyoming. As a young girl, her family moved to Sioux City where they lived in a two-bedroom home with nine children. She attended Cooper School, East Junior, and East High School. In her high school years, she worked at the Capital Theatre in downtown Sioux City and received her engagement ring through the ticket window. She married William F. Murphy on December 27, 1947, and they raised their family in Morningside.

After working at home for 30+ years as a devoted wife and mother, she became employed at Longfellow School and the Karmelkorn at the Southern Hills Mall. Upon retirement, Joyce and Bill built their dream home on the lake in Arnolds Park, Iowa, where they spent 23 years. While living in retirement in Okoboji, they spent their days boating and fishing. Joyce always looked forward to her monthly coffee dates with friends. She also served with the Church Circle at the Methodist Church and would deliver Meals on Wheels to people in the community. She also volunteered for the Okoboji Schools.

After moving back to Sioux City in 2015 to be closer to family, she was the best caretaker for her husband. She was recently appointed as an Ambassador at her Retirement Home, a title she was honored to have as she helped families become comfortable in their new home.
Earlier in life, Joyce was a tremendous bowler in a women’s league at the Park Bowl. All through her life, she loved working puzzles, going out to eat, bird and squirrel watching, camping, gardening, sewing, crocheting, shopping, and taking car rides. She also enjoyed watching the Morningside Mustangs and the Iowa Hawkeyes in every sport, both men and women. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s events. If she was unable to attend an event, she was eager to learn and use the latest technology in order to be their biggest cheerleader.

Her photo could be next to the definition of mother or grandmother in any dictionary. She exemplified love of family, unconditionally, and love of life—qualities that will be passed down for many generations to come. She was always such a giver in life, looking out for those less fortunate. She will always be remembered by her forthright candor and quick wit.

Joyce spent 72 happy years with her sweetheart, Bill, and now they are together again.

Joyce is survived by her children, W. Patrick Murphy, Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida; Sandi (Dave) Hansen, Omaha, Nebraska; Tom (Janet) Murphy, Sioux City, Iowa; John (Lisa) Murphy, Sioux City, Iowa; Jim (Sue) Murphy, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Kelli (Joe) Tuttle, Sioux City, Iowa; 19 grandchildren, , 26 great grandchildren and 4 sisters.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents; brothers, Kenny, Rudy, and Buddy Wegher; sister Judy Culver; daughter-in-law Marsha Murphy; great-grandson Joseph Herrig; and great-great-granddaughter Huxley Kudlock.