Joyce Ancell

Joyce Carolyn Ancell, 88, died peacefully at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita on Sept. 5, 2021. Joyce was a devoted wife of 53 years, aunt, sister, and loving mother She graduated from Wellington High School in 1951, and worked as a telephone operator before marrying her childhood sweetheart, Henry Ancell, in 1953. They were married for 53 years.

Joyce was born in Coldwater, on March 13, 1933, to Henry Loyde Wilson and Helen Lena (Hunt) Wilson. Joyce was a wonderful cook that loved hosting special extended family dinners and feeding the farmhands helping her husband during wheat harvest. She loved taking care of cats, including going out of the way to see that the neighborhood’s strays were fed. She loved her family unconditionally, and she will be greatly missed by all.

Joyce loved Traditional Country Western music, especially songs by Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson. Joyce enjoyed planting and tending to the flowers that beautified their home, and could be seen out watering those on the south side of the house on every hot summer day.

Finally, besides being devoted to her husband, Joyce did everything within her power to support her daughter and her husband. Joyce was saddened when she had to leave her Wellington home that Henry had built for her, but Henry needed more care than she could give him on her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters Virgie Shelley Toms and Frances Marilyn McAfee. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy McCreary (Bob); a brother-in-law, Gene Toms of Derby KS; three nephews, Luke McAfee (Lyn) and Mike Shelley (Mary) of Wichita, KS, and Steve McAfee (Lorraine) of Diamond Bar CA.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington. Memorials can be made to the Summer County Animal Shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association. Affinity All Faiths Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences or sign the guestbook, visit AffinityAllFaithsMortuary.com.