Joyce J. Koehn

Joyce Jean (Smiley) Koehn was born on September 1, 1937, in Meade County, Kansas, as the fifth child of Floyd and Juanita (Woodruff) Smiley. In 1941, the family moved to a farm and ranch in Elbert County, Colorado, where Joyce’s love for animals and nature began. A highlight of her childhood was receiving a palomino mare named Queenie from her father. Joyce showcased her talents in 4-H Club by taking Queenie to the Elbert County Fair, where they excelled.

As a teenager, Joyce’s vibrant personality and charm caught the eye of Jim Koehn during a visit to a friends’ house. Jim confidently told his mother, “I’m going to marry that girl,” and he kept his word. Jim soon joined the Army and was stationed in Germany, and their love grew through heartfelt letters. In her senior year of high school, Joyce said "yes" to Jim's proposal and a diamond ring arrived by mail on Valentine’s Day. That same year, Joyce was crowned both Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen, a legacy carried on by her daughter and granddaughter in later years.

Joyce and Jim married on February 24, 1957, after Jim returned home. Joyce began working at Mercy Hospital in Denver, while Jim worked on the Titan Missile project for Martin Marietta. Life took them to Tucson, Arizona, but Joyce’s longing for family brought them back to Colorado to help run the family farm. There, they raised three children: Jeanie, Doug, and Lisa.

Joyce was a pillar of her community in Limon, dedicating her life to her family, her faith, and her neighbors. She wore many hats, from driving a school bus and working in the cafeteria to serving as a 4-H leader and Sunday school teacher for over 25 years. She prepared funeral dinners for 60 years. She was an avid gardener, a gifted cook, loved to travel and a source of love and support for her children and grandchildren. Her home was a warm and welcoming space, where nieces, nephews, and friends were always greeted with open arms.

A proud Limon Badger, from her days in Pep club to cheering on her grandchildren, Joyce’s enthusiasm for the Badgers never wavered. Whether it was a game, a performance, or a school event, she was always there, beaming with pride and offering her full support.

In 1993, Joyce and Jim moved into town, where Joyce embraced life as a “city lady.” Her summers were filled with laughter, gardening, and spending countless hours with her grandchildren. She shared her deep love for Jesus with everyone around her, leaving a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Joyce adored her seven grandchildren—Elizabeth, Douglas, Stephanie, Amie, Holly, Dilan, and Tyler—and was overjoyed to welcome 14 great-grandchildren into her life. She cherished her time with them, especially “her” twin babies, and was endlessly proud of their accomplishments.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Jim Koehn; her daughter Jeanette Stamm; her son Douglas Koehn; her parents Floyd and Juanita Smiley; her brothers Wayne, Robert, Lloyd, Max, and Larry Smiley; and her sister Ella Mae O’Rielly.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Yowell and husband Lynn of Limon; son-in-law Robert Stamm and wife Carol of Anchorage, AK; and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

Elizabeth Rue (Kevin) and great-granddaughters Emma June and Zoey of Los Alamos, NM

Stephanie Holmquist (Max) and great-grandsons Soren, Henrik, and Jakob of Anchorage, AK

Doug Koehn (Stevie) and great-granddaughters Aniya, Azalea, Kaylie, and Kailah of Limon

Holly Koehn of Limon

Tyler Koehn (Katie) and great-grandsons Kip and Kahler of Flagler

Amie Albrecht (Lucas) and great-grandchildren Brenleigh, Tanner, and Trey of North Platte, NE

Dilan Yowell (Stephanie) and soon-to-arrive great-grandson Kooper of San Antonio, TX

Joyce’s life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and family. Her warmth, generosity, and never ending spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Limon Methodist Church, 770 B. Avenue, Limon, Colorado 80828.