Joyce E. Rother

Joyce Elaine (Ideker) Rother, 88, Mound City, passed from this earth into the hands of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 surrounded by her loving family and her pastor in her daughter’s home in Craig, Mo.

Born near Corning, Mo. to Alfred H. and Grace M. (Viets) Ideker, she was a lifelong Holt County resident.

Joyce was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Craig. Joyce attended Corning grade school, and then attended Craig R-III High School, graduating in 1950.

After graduation, she attended Commercial Extension School of Business in Omaha, Neb., and worked for several years for St. Joseph Light & Power in Tarkio, Mo.

On April 8, 1956 she was united in marriage to Paul Eugene Rother at St. Peters Lutheran Church. To this union three children were born, Greg, Gail, and Greta.

She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dale Voltmer (Gail); her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and LaRaine Rother; and her husband, Paul Rother.

Survivors include her sister, Jerry Gaffney of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two daughters, Gail (Bill) Heitman and Greta (David) Drewes, all of Craig; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Benjamin (Jennifer) Voltmer and Beretta Rose of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Justin (Aimee) Rother and Maverick of Craig, April (Zack Schneider) Voltmer of Kansas City, Mo., Trevor (Alex) Drewes and Kyper of Craig, Wyatt (Haley Ridler) Drewes and Cadence of Bigelow, Mo.  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews; her special friend and caregiver, Sandy (Van) Kemerling; two honorary grandchildren, Jamison and Sarah Liles; and her loyal companion, Missy.

Joyce was a homemaker and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren her “tricks of the trade.” She was well-known for her fried chicken, oatmeal raisin cookies, and pies. She was a beautiful seamstress. She was an avid gardener, and would often share her plants with family and friends.

She was a member of the Lakeshore Club and the Tarkio Garden Club, where she enjoyed participating in activities such as landscaping at the Craig R-III School. She was an active member of her church, and served as Sunday School teacher and church secretary for many years. She also served in the Dorcas Circle and Ladies’ Aid Society.

Joyce enjoyed people, maintained a strong faith, prayed for many, and her words of encouragement will be missed.

Services: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, 10:30 am, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mound City, with visitation an hour prior. Masks will be provided and are encouraged, as well as physical distancing.  Interment: Craig I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Memorials: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Care entrusted to Chamberlain Funeral Home, Mound City. Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainfuneral.com.