Obituary of Joyce Elaine Petroff

In the early morning of June 20, 2023, Joyce Elaine (Kephart) Petroff passed away peacefully of natural causes at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. Joyce celebrated her 90th birthday on June 7, just 13 days prior to her departure. 

Born in Gibbon in the Cornhusker State of Nebraska, Joyce graduated from Grand Island High School in 1951, where she was nicknamed “Keppy”, participating in glee club, chorus, bowling and theater. Upon graduation she desired to visit all 48 states before turning 21 years old. 

After moving to Colorado, Joyce worked in the Jefferson County public school system for 20 years, where she met and married Samuel (Sam) Petroff on June 25 of 1971. Together they fulfilled many of Joyce’s traveling ambitions, vacationing about the United States and touring Europe. Their trip to Europe generated fond memories contained in a treasured photo album. Sam and Joyce spent most of their time together, entertaining friends and family frequently. 

Always active, Joyce excelled in bowling and golf. She often scored over 200 in bowling games and had enough 200 medals to make a bracelet of them. At times in her life, she enjoyed skiing, swimming, gardening, camping, and fishing. Golfing ranked first among her hobbies - she golfed until just before her passing and loved the community of her golfing friends. 

Possessing a keen sense of humor and wit, Joyce never failed to keep people laughing. Even as she knew her final hours were approaching, she joked with everyone in the hospital room – her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the attending nurses. She made her last hours joyful and fun. Joyce is enormously loved and missed by all who know her. 

Preceding Joyce in death were her parents Ralph and Georgina Kephart, siblings George and Leon, youngest son Tom, and grandson Darren (Kelly). 

Joyce is survived by her beloved and devoted husband Sam; children Cheri and Ron (Kayren); grandchildren Laura (Hercules), Ron Jr (Adrienne), Danny (Lynni), and Jesse; great-grandchildren Jordyn, Janessa, Jenalyn, Airlie, Declan, Hercules Jr (Kaitlin), Forrest (Ryan), River, and Chloe; great-great-grandchildren Kash, Kaine, and Harbor Gray; and by many other loving family members and friends. 

Inurnment will be at the Golden Cemetery in Golden, Colorado.