Joyce Elaine (Swifink) DeGroot...

Joyce Elaine (Swifink) DeGroot was born on December 25, 1936, to Marvin & Frances (Wilson) Swifink in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She grew up in Grand Rapids, graduating from Grand Rapids High School. It was while attending a church youth group she met and fell in love with a young man, Loren DeGroot.  The two were married on June 15, 1956, embarking on a life together focused on Christ, and filled with love, family and ministry.

In their young marriage, Loren’s service in the Navy and subsequent career in the aerospace industry often required him to be away from his family. Joyce consistently and courageously provided strength, stability and love to her four children during these times. She created a loving home environment not only for her own children but was a place with a listening ear for other young people who needed a place to relax and talk. She exuded love, generosity and acceptance. As the children grew older, Joyce was able to enjoy accompanying Loren on trips.  Always open to adventure and loving to travel, Joyce and Loren were able to see the world together.

Joyce was a faithful follower of Christ and active in the churches they attended, Brookside in Grand Rapids, First Covenant in Cedar Rapids, IA and Beechwood when they moved to Holland, MI.  She also taught Bible studies and volunteered in church ministry of decorating and flower ministry and focusing on the homeless.

Her love for others showed not only through her family interactions and church service but also in her gift of hospitality.  She hosted exquisite and fun dinner parties and loved to entertain.

Joyce entered into Heaven on December 31, 2024 at the age of 88.

Her presence and love will be deeply missed by her children, Lori & Butch Stuckert of Green Bay, WI, Cheryl and Doug Gabriel of Branson, MO, Christine and Dan Nuckolls of Nixa, MO and Steve and Cheryl DeGroot of San Tan Valley, AZ; her sister, Janice & Lance Mitchell of TN; her eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin & Frances Swifink; her husband, Loren DeGroot; and one brother, Robert Swifink.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.  Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Joyce will be laid to rest in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.

Memorials are requested to Seasons Hospice, 1831 W. Melville Rd., Springfield, MO 65803 or online at springfieldhospice.com.