Joyce Elizabeth Preston

 Joyce was born on October 21, 1940, in Cheyenne, WY to Bert Powhatten and Alice Elizabeth (Stevens) Clark. Joyce came from humble beginnings. Her father left when she was two, and Alice raised the children on her own. Joyce looked to her Uncle Pete Stevens as a father.

Joyce was one of five children, with two older brothers Kenneth Clark, and James Clark, one younger brother David “Butch” Clark, and a younger sister Patsy Stevens. 

Joyce met Ron through a mutual friend. Their first date was in 1958 at a CFD rodeo. Joyce had trouble finding a parking space, and was 30 minutes late, luckily Ron waited for her. Ron and Joyce eloped to Fort Collins a year later. Their parents weren’t pleased but true love proved them wrong. Ron and Joyce were married for 66 years. They moved to a small trailer at Horse Creek. Ron worked for GW Sugar Co. and they created a wonderful life together. They have three daughters, Debra Joyce Sullivan (Clay) of Cheyenne, WY. Dedra Kay Myers (Doug) of Water Valley, Alberta and Della Ann Preston (Paul James) of Cheyenne, WY. 

Joyce and Ron enjoyed drag racing and she loved to drive fast cars. She raced her new 63 Ford Falcon, that she still has. They also snowmobiled most winter weekends when they lived at the Horse Creek mine and made many friends playing in the snow.

Joyce was full of energy, always doing something in the house, yard, or shopping at Walmart. She painted her house in 2023. Joyce loved to tease her friends and family about sports teams and anything else she could find that bothered you.

Ron and Joyce moved to the Y Cross ranch in 1977. They made lifelong friends with many hired hands and one special hand, Tandy King became a part of the family. Joyce was always working hard to make a nice home and was a very good cook. She loved trying new foods and was always clipping out recipes from the newspaper. Her favorite snack was Lays potato chips, and a Coke.

Joyce was active in the Horse Creek Community and always was there to lend a hand with showers and parties, also helping with the Horse Creek reunions. She was an active member of the Laramie County Cowbelles.

Joyce was the school bus driver for years loved and cared for the kids. After retiring she worked at the Laramie County Circuit Court as a bailiff and loved her court family.

Joyce enjoyed traveling to places like Tennessee, Alaska, Saratoga, Estes Park, Victoria BC, Kaycee, and many trips to Alberta to see her Canadian family.

 Joyce was patriotic and always flew the American flag, she had everything a person could imagine that was red, white, and blue, including T Shirts and cowboys boots.

Joyce loved the rodeo and wanted to attend every Cheyenne Frontier Days. She did not have as much energy in 2024 but still was able to go to most of the rodeos. If there was a rodeo to go to, she was there. She even enjoyed a few performances at Calgary Stampede and the NFR.

Joyce loved Ron so much she took great care of him when he had some health issues. Ron returned the favor and cared for Joyce the last few months taking her tea at her request, even though it was often too sweet or just not hot enough. Ron and Joyce enjoyed a special bond with each other, you could catch a special look between the two. It was beautiful to see how they loved each other.

Joyce will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews. They always had a special place in her heart.

Most of all Joyce loved her grandkids. Chase Andersen (Sarah Golding), Jordyn Andersen Hillyer (Daniel), Brittany Myers Topilko (Chad), Kaylee Myers Rowley (Shane), Braden Myers, and Randi Lenderman. Great grandkids, RaeLee Andersen, Rowyn and Riley Topilko, Levi and Colton Rowley. Her biggest smiles were always with her grandkids. Joyce also leaves behind her dog, Brooke, who will also miss her. 

Joyce was predeceased by her mother Alice Seaver, her brothers Kenneth and David Clark, and son-in-law Gary Andersen.

Joyce passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on January 11, 2025, we all love and miss her so much. The family would like to thank Enhabit Home Health and Hospice Care for their kindness, care and support they provided.

Services will be at the Happy Jack Country Church, 1055 Happy Jack Road, Cheyenne, WY on January 31, 2025 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the cfdvcf.com.