Joyce Ilene Christensen

Joyce Ilene Christensen, 76, of Washburn, IA passed away on July 1, 2025, at Allen Hospital after a short illness. Joyce was born March 19, 1949, to Kenneth Smelcer and Norma Jean Runyan Smelcer. Joyce was married to Thomas Christensen on May 13, 1983. She is survived by her four daughters, Deborah Graham of Washburn, IA; Teresa Briggs of Independence, IA; Cathy Close of Independence, IA; and Sara (Bill) Castic of Waterloo, IA; two brothers, James Smelcer of Raymond, MS; and Jeff Smelcer of River Oaks, TX; 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Joyce was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. Afterwards she worked at Walmart in Independence until her retirement. After retirement, she and Tom moved south and became campground hosts. After some time, she moved back to Iowa to be close to their grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Jerry Smelcer and John Smelcer.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at a later date.