Joyce Eileen Stroud (Hutchison) lived in Lenox, Iowa. She had previously lived in Aurora, MO for 31 years, but moved closer to family after her husband passed. She was born on May 19, 1941. She passed away on January 30, 2026 peacefully surrounded by family. Joyce was born and raised in Martensdale, Iowa. She graduated in 1959 from Martensdale. Joyce shared 65 beautiful years of marriage with Dick Stroud. Her love story with Dick was truly one for the history books, the kind of love everyone hopes for and looks up to. Their marriage was filled with devotion, laughter, music, dancing, and unwavering partnership. They did life hand in hand, always choosing each other. In her final days, she spoke of him often, and the day before she passed, she told us she had talked it over with Gramps and that it was time for her to go be with him. 5 months to the day of Dick passing, Joyce joined him in Heaven. Even then, their love guided her. Together they created a lifetime of memories raising a family, including their 2 children, Rod & Tami. Joyce spoke often about memories of their childhood.
Grams was the heart of our family, the kind of woman whose love showed up in warm kitchens, full card tables, and the tightest hugs you could imagine. She adored baking for us and cooking her extra-special recipes—the kind you can never quite recreate, no matter how hard you try. Food was her love language, and we were so lucky to be on the receiving end of it. Joyce loved a good game of cards and never missed a chance to play bingo, always ready for a laugh and a little friendly competition. And no matter where she was going—no exceptions—lipstick had to be on before she left the house. It was just part of who Joyce was. Joyce had a love for garage sales, always on the hunt for a treasure or a story to tell later. Joyce also loved heading to high school dances with Dick where they’d play a record and he’d sing for everyone, creating memories that felt straight out of another time. She proudly supported him as a true “Rusty Strings” groupie, cheering on the band he sang with and loving every minute of it.
Grams hugs, better known as her famous squeezes, were the best! The kind that made you feel safe, loved, and held together. Her cackle? Absolutely unbeatable. Half the time she couldn’t even finish telling a joke because she was laughing too hard at it herself, and that laugh was contagious in the best way.
Her joy, her laughter, her lipstick, her squeezes, and her love are stitched into our lives in ways that will never fade. We were incredibly fortunate to have her, and we will miss her more than words can say, but we’ll hear her cackle, feel her hugs, and taste her cooking in our hearts forever.
Joyce is survived by; Sister, Mary Gavin; Brother, Bernie (Ruthie) Hutchison; her children, Rod (Tammy) Stroud and Tami (Paul) Eblen; six cherished granddaughters, Heather (Jake) Olson, Courtney (Clayton) Kannas, Ashley Eblen, Chelsey (Todd) Kinker, Cassidy (David) Cooper, and Caitlyn (James) Houck; as well as 17 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Dick Stroud; her parents, Allen and Mary Hutchison; her in-laws, Hugh and Ruth Stroud and her siblings, Bill Hutchison, Jerry Hutchison, Tom Hutchison, Peg Brommel, and Allen Jr. Hutchison.
A Celebration of Life: Will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Stella’s Event Center in Corning, Iowa. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.
Memorials: Memorials may be directed to the family to be established at a later date.
