Joyce Ann Maxfield
October 23, 1947 – February 19, 2024
On the evening of February 19, 2024, surrounded by her family, in her home, Joyce Ann (Klein) Maxfield 76, of Malad City, Idaho was finally reunited with her mother Lulu Klein and her son Thomas Jeffrey Schaeffer.
Joyce was born October 23, 1947 in St Johns Kansas. The 4th child of Lawrence Eugene and Lulu Darlene (Clapper) Klein. Soon after her birth, her father gave her the title of “Wild Child”. She proudly fulfilled this nickname. She always stood up for herself and righted any wrong that came her way. On one occasion, her brother Ronnie teased her and her little sister Karen until she devised a master plan. She told him that their mother needed ice from the ice house. When Ronnie went to get the ice, Joyce locked the door from the outside leaving Ronnie to his own devises. It wasn’t until late in the evening when their mother was looking for him that Joyce finally fessed up and that Ronnie was found chilled to the bone.
One Christmas, Joyce was given a pair of slick bottom house slippers but she wished for ice skates. So in Joyce’s true fashion, she made lemonade out of lemons. She talked Karen into going ice skating, at the pond, near their home. She got out on the ice, made a few strides, broke through the ice, and was trapped underneath. She fought her way back to where she broke through and pulled herself out. When she came to her senses, she told Karen that their mother did not need to know of the ice breaking but only how nice Joyce would look if she had genuine ice skates. She knew without a doubt given the right equipment she could have been a world class figure skater.
Joyce moved to Utah with her 4 children Paul Edwin, Dawn Marie, Thomas Jeffrey and LeighAnne and took employment as a waitress. She loved the quick money in her pocket she received from her unbelievable customer service. It didn’t hurt that she was a “bombshell”— blue eyed blond. She had many a suitor. She wanted the best for her little ones. She kept searching until she could find a husband that could carry out the duty of being a father. The pinnacle event in Joyce’s life occurred when her car needed to be repaired. She pulled into McKay Maxfield’s Chevron station on 4800 street in Ogden, Utah. There couldn’t be two more opposite people on this planet. Nobody could explain how it worked but they were a perfect match. Complimenting each others strengths and reigning each other in when they needed it. They were a fierce, passionate, solid unbreakable team.
Joyce accepted Mckay’s proposal. After they celebrated Christmas with their children, they tucked them into bed, drove to Las Vegas, Nevada to become husband and wife on December 26th 1972. In sickness and in health, a vow they didn’t take lightly. Although their lives were full they just had to add one more thing to make their lives full. So in 1974 they welcomed a daughter, Avis Karess into their union making their family complete.
Joyce’s drive and ambition were unbelievable. Since McKay was the owner of several businesses in the Ogden area, Joyce started a snowplowing business. She had Mckay put a snowplow on an old pickup. She would strap her new baby, Avis, in the passenger seat then set out all hours of the day and night plowing snow. She had the fondest memories of plowing snow with her baby in tow. She became a licensed daycare provider after earning her child development certificate from Westminster College of Salt Lake City, UT. She served a term as the President of the Utah DayCare Association. With her waitressing and childcare provider skills under her belt, she knew she had a bigger calling. While working at Thomas Food Town, she took the EMT course, practiced her skills on her co workers, and became a licensed EMT. She started working as a CNA for Oneida County Hospital. Next she earned her LPN, finally received her RN. She completed her nursing career as Director of Nursing of Long Term Care at the Oneida County Hospital. She was proud of the work she did there, training CNA’s, caring for community members and looking out for all of her employees. She loved her involvement with the Oneida Crisis Center she enjoyed working with them and sharing friendship over the past years.
The best memories of her life were with her husband, McKay, going on cruises, having family parties, and attending events for her children and grandchildren. She was proud of her family and always wanted them to know she had their back no matter what. Joyce always took care of any relatives, neighbors, friends, or acquaintances. She never wanted anyone to go without, be alone or be in need. She seemed to possess a superpower to grant others’ wishes. If she loved you and knew of your heart’s desire, she would make it come true. Her mind was powerful. She had the will to do anything and we are all so grateful that of all the things she could have been, she chose to be our mom.
She wanted everyone to know that her husband was the most handsome man in the world. Her granddaughter K-leigh who with she shared a special bond was her doting care taker to the end. In lieu of flowers, please share lunch with a friend, take flowers to someone who is down, make plans with your kids, take that trip you have been putting off, go back to school, or take that class and earn a degree. “GO! BE! DO!” live your life in honor of our mom who lived hers to the fullest. In her true foodie nature she couldn’t pass up a rotisserie chicken, a plate of biscuits and gravy or a nice sit down meal. So in her true foodie fashion our mom would like you to know that Culver’s has saved more lives than doctors! So enjoy that sit down meal!
Joyce is survived by her husband McKay, Her children Paul (Lynn) Schaeffer, Dawn (Terry) Brooks, LeighAnne (Blake) Love & Avis (Mike) Semrad. A sister Janette Sallee, Her Grandchildren, and great grandchildren
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald, her sister Karen and her beloved son Thomas.
Funeral services Saturday February 24th at 12 PM viewing 1 PM Funeral at Horsley Funeral Home. Burial will be in St John Cemetery.