Joyce Lavaun Ryerson

Joyce Lavaun Ryerson, 80, passed away Aug. 14, 2014 at TMC-Lakewood Alzheimer Unit in Kansas City, MO. Services will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, Aug. 19 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am before the service at the Stone Church, 1012 W Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050. Private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Heartland Hospice, 1001 E. 101st Terr. #180, Kansas City, MO 64131 or the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 3846 W 75th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Joyce was born June 4, 1934 in Independence, MO and lived most of her life in the Independence area. She was the only child of John Erwin Sheldon Ryerson and Julia Marie (Rinehart) Ryerson-Lynch. Joyce’s life passions were established early: her desire to know her Savior Jesus Christ and to live under his direction; and her desire to learn through the study of music, dance, teaching, family and love of nature. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1952 and received her Masters degree in Education from Kansas State University. After teaching 7th grade Life Sciences at Raytown South Jr. High School for thirty-two years, she retired in 1996. After retirement, she continued her life of service in tutoring the Title One Reading Program. Joyce is survived by many family and friends and her beloved Yorkie, Beyli.