June 1, 1931 - August 16, 2023
Joyce passed peacefully on August 16th 2023 surrounded by family and friends at the age of 92. She is survived by her brother, Bill Easley and his wife Jean, daughter, Karen Dixon, son-in-law, Jack Dixon, son, Greg Mathias, grandchildren, Crystal, Holly, Tiffany, Amber, and David. She is also the great-gramma to 19. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Hershey Mathias, Jr. in 2013, daughter, Joni Mathias in 1978, her parents, Ray and Jewell Easley, brother, Ray Easley and his wife Peggy, and sister Patsy.
Joyce Elaine Mathias was born in Denver, Colorado on June 1, 1931 to Jewell Tyner and Ray Kerr Easley. She was one of four children. Joyce had two older brothers, Ray and Bill and a younger sister, Patsy. She graduated from East High School in 1950. Joyce attended Colorado State University and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She met Dave in college and married him December 21, 1951 in Denver. She was the mother of three children, Greg, Joni and Karen.
Joyce and Dave were married for 61 years at the time of his passing. They were long time members of Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland.
Joyce was full of life and a friend to everyone she met. She was a second mother to her grandchildren and loved her great grands fiercely. Joyce loved to host parties and bridge club. She grew beautiful flowers and vegetables. Spending time in her mountains was a large part of her life; fishing, camping, hiking and over the past few years, driving up the canyon to enjoy the views. Dogs were always a part of her life. She loved raising English Springer Spaniels, and had a couple cocker spaniels and schnauzers over the years.
Her life was spent serving her family and her community. In Denver, she spent many years volunteering with the Denver Public Schools and Head-start. She was a Den Mother for Greg and a Girl Scout Leader for Joni and Karen. In Loveland, Joyce was busy with the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club, Philo Club, and her treasured PEO Chapter. Mrs. Mathias was a favorite volunteer in her daughter’s classroom and at the annual Chili Supper at Dave’s schools. Volunteering at McKee Medical Center at the Lactation Clinic was another job she enjoyed. She and her friend Doreen MacDonald began making sack lunches for the homeless teenagers in Loveland and created Loveland Cares. This eventually became the Loveland Community Kitchen.
Services will be held at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at 10 am. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Fellowship Hall following her service.
Joyce was cremated and interred with Dave in the Columbarium at the church.
