Joyce M. Merritt

Joyce Marie Merritt, 88, of Sioux City, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Touchstone Living Center.
According to Joyce's wishes, cremation will take place. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Joyce was born March 8, 1927, in South Sioux City, to Basil and Neva (Whitesell) Sewell. The family moved to Sioux City where Joyce attended school. She graduated from Central High School.
She married Sherman H. Merritt on Jan. 12, 1946, in Sioux City, where they spent most of their lives. In 1983, they moved to Ponca, Neb., until Sherman’s death on Nov. 21, 1996.
Joyce lived at Riverside Gardens in Sioux City until March 2014, then with her daughter and son-in-law until July 15, 2015, when she moved to Touchstone Living Center.
Survivors include her son, Sherman A. Merritt of Waterbury, Neb.; her daughter, Patricia (Jeff) Wendt of Sioux City; a grandson, Jon Merritt of Waterbury; a granddaughter, Michelle (Grant) Stroud of Glenwood, Iowa; and a great-granddaughter, Sophia Stroud, who was the light in her eyes.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sherman; son, Robert Merritt; three brothers, Don, Paul and Bob Sewell; and a sister, Jean Oaks.
The family thanks the staff who cared for Joyce at Touchstone, and her angels on earth at Hospice of Siouxland who were always there when needed. We love and miss you Mama!