Joyce Spickelmier

Joyce Lynette Spickelmier, 77, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 4, 2025, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joyce was born on January 23, 1948, in McCook, Nebraska, to Victor and Naomi (Hock) Beebe. She graduated from Hayes County High School in 1966 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in Business, from Kearney State College. During her time at Kearney, Joyce was actively involved in campus life as a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, where she served as Chaplain and President. She also held the position of Panhellenic President, was a member of Silver Circle, and worked with the Student Union Activities Council (SUAC), helping organize events for fellow students.

After college, Joyce began her teaching career at NCE School of Commerce in Omaha. In 1974, she moved to a farmstead southwest of Hayes Center where she raised her two children, Brenda and Neil. Joyce was a constant presence in their school and extracurricular activities—whether it was sports, plays, or committee work for the Booster Club and prom committees. She also devoted time to teaching Sunday School and Catechism. Joyce was a proud mother who made countless trips to Lincoln to support her children in their college endeavors.

In 2002, Joyce renewed her teaching certificate and spent several years teaching business classes at Wauneta-Palisade.

Joyce’s life took another beautiful turn when she married Russell Spickelmier on January 2, 2009. After retiring from teaching, Joyce enjoyed helping on the farm, tending to her garden, and spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her kindness, generosity, and warmth will be deeply missed.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Russell Spickelmier; daughter, Brenda (Ryan) Khoury of Omaha, and grandchildren William and Hunter Khoury; son, Neil (Sarah) Gohl of McCook, and grandchildren Clayton and Lucas Gohl; stepdaughter, Donna Vallin and partner, Paul Proctor of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Donna’s children, Tyler Vallin of Bennett, Co and Kayla (Zach) Heinen of Axtell, KS; stepdaughter, Deb (Scott) Noble of Silver City, NM, and their children, Cade (Nancy) Noble of Gardner, KS, Danielle (Brett) Crist of Casper, WY, and Karli Noble (Fiancé Brendan Brehmer) of Imperial, NE. She is also survived by her brother, Brett (Joan) Beebe of Show Low, AZ, and sister, Vonda (Terry) Moorehead of Wallace, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, February 9, 2025 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM on Monday morning, February 10, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Culbertson with Pastor Bradley Rick officiating. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will follow services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Hayes Center Ambulance Fund in Joyce Spickelmier’s name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.