JOYCE L. HUTTON
1929-2024
Joyce L. Hutton, 94, of Sabetha, Kansas, died on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha. She was the daughter of Frank J. and Elizabeth (Smith) Kennedy (Lambelet), and was born on October 26, 1929, on a ranch in Custer County north of Oconto, Nebraska. The family moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, and then to Brock, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school in 1947. On August 21, 1949, Joyce was united in marriage to Floyd Rollin Hall, and they were blessed with two children, Randy and Susan.
Joyce received her Bachelor of Science degree from Peru State College in 1965. During her 34 years of teaching, she taught at Cook (where she taught K-8th grade in a oneroom schoolhouse), Larkin, and Nemaha, Nebraska, and Corning, Wetmore, Hesston, and Sabetha, Kansas.
After the unexpected death of her husband, Rollin, in 1971, Joyce completed her Master of Science degree from Emporia State University in 1974. She married Kenneth Hutton on July 16, 1977. They moved from Sabetha to Auburn, Nebraska where Joyce was employed at the Auburn Public Schools/District #29 as the media specialist until her retirement in May of 1991. Shortly after Ken’s death in 2011, she moved to the Apostolic Christian Village Apartments in Sabetha.
Joyce was always very active in her community and church. One of the most important parts of her life was her firm belief in God. While living in Sabetha, she was a dedicated and active member of the First Congregational Church. When she lived in Auburn, she was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she started and maintained the church library and sang in the choir. She also taught Sunday school, Bible school, and was a member of the church council. For many years, she also led a Bible study at the “high rise” apartments in Auburn. In her later years, she enjoyed worshiping at NorthRidge Church in Sabetha and always joined the church services online when unable to attend in person.
Joyce also served as past president of the Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, was a member and past officer of Chapter DB P.E.O. and was a member of the Auburn Memorial Library Board, where she served as secretary for over 20 years. Her humble, servant heart and leadership called her to give to her community, friends, and family in many other capacities, which included putting in hours organizing blood drives, making meals for others in need, and always being there to help without being asked. Joyce seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to serving others.
Joyce was the happiest when she was surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Endless hours were spent playing with them, teaching them how to play pitch and board games, and making their favorite foods. She also loved spending time with her sister, Audrey, her brother, Michael, and her late sister, Sandra Markland, as well as her extended family. An avid, lifelong reader, and card player, Joyce always talked about the current book she was reading and was a member of several bridge clubs. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, crocheting, and embroidering, and her hands were never idle. She cheered on many college teams, but especially KU and KSU basketball and NU football. She will be remembered for the true JOY she carried with her, no matter the circumstances. She was genuinely selfless and kind, always putting others’ needs and wants ahead of her own. Her faith continued to shine through until her final breath.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Audrey Stucky; her brother, Michael Lambelet and his wife, Sandy; her brother-inlaw, Larry Markland; her son, Randy Hall and wife, Denise; her daughter, Susan Nelson- Knox and husband, Mike; her grandchildren, Micah and Kathy Hall (great-grandchildren, Caroline, Greta and Abram), Matthew and Lanae Hall, Meggie Hall, Daniel and Paula Nelson, Libby Nelson, Brandon and Kelli Knox (great-grandchildren, Baron and Bronson), Taylor Knox (great-grandchildren, Aria and Harley), Tanner and Sammi Knox (great-grandchildren, Stevie and Ford); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. Prior to the funeral service, a visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church. A private family interment will be made in the Prairie Union Cemetery north of Shubert, Nebraska. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Auburn Public Library in Auburn, Nebraska, and the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries. com.