Joyce Simon

It is with deep sorrow, and with tremendous love for a life that meant so much to so many, that the family of Joyce Simon announces her passing on October 1, 2026, at the age of 68.

Joyce was a devoted mother, a loving partner, a treasured friend, and, perhaps most proudly of all, a deeply cherished grandmother. While her passing leaves an emptiness that cannot easily be put into words, the love she gave throughout her life remains firmly woven into the hearts of the family she adored.

Of all the titles Joyce carried during her 68 years, few meant more to her than “Grandma.” She wore that title proudly and wholeheartedly. Her grandchildren were not simply an important part of her life…they were at the very center of it. Joyce poured her heart into loving them, supporting them, worrying about them, celebrating them, and making certain they always knew just how deeply they were loved.

To her grandchildren, Grandma was a constant. She was someone in their corner, someone who cared about what was happening in their lives, and someone whose love never needed to be questioned. She celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged them through difficult moments, and took tremendous pride in watching them grow into the people they were becoming. The relationship she shared with each of them was uniquely their own, and the memories they made together will remain among the greatest gifts she leaves behind.

Joyce understood that family is built through the countless ordinary moments that, in time, become extraordinary memories. It is found in conversations, laughter, traditions, celebrations, shared meals, phone calls, inside jokes, advice, concern, and simply being there when someone needs you. Those are the moments her family will now hold especially close.

She loved deeply, and those fortunate enough to be part of her life knew the strength of that love.

Joyce shared her life with her fiancé, Bud Klingaman, whose companionship and love brought meaning and happiness to her days. Together, they shared the kind of everyday moments that become increasingly precious with time…moments that will now be remembered with both gratitude and longing.

She was the loving mother of Kristina (Tommy) Douglas and the late Lorie K. Reno. She also shared a special family bond with her stepdaughter, Denise Simon (Gary Blevins), and her son-in-law, Josh Reno.

Her greatest pride and joy lived on in her grandchildren, Will Douglas, Riley Reno, and Rebecca Reno. Each held an irreplaceable place in Grandma’s heart, and each carries forward a piece of the love, guidance, and devotion she gave so freely.

Joyce knew the pain of saying goodbye to people she loved before her own passing. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ellen Heckman; her husband, Cornell “Red” Simon; her beloved daughter, Lorie K. Reno; and her brother, Keith “Tony” Heckman.

She is survived by her fiancé, Bud Klingaman; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Tommy Douglas; sister Judy Culberson; brother Bill Heckman; her son-in-law, Josh Reno; her stepdaughter, Denise Simon and Gary Blevins; and her beloved grandchildren, Will Douglas, Riley Reno, and Rebecca Reno, along with family members, friends, and all those whose lives were made a little better simply because Joyce was part of them.

For those who loved her, Joyce’s passing is not simply the loss of one person. It is the loss of a mother’s familiar presence, a partner’s companionship, a friend’s voice, and a grandmother whose love helped shape the lives of the grandchildren she treasured so completely.

Yet grief is also evidence of something beautiful…that someone was here, that they mattered, and that they were loved enough to be deeply missed.

Joyce was deeply loved.

And she will be deeply missed.

Her family will continue to find her in the memories she leaves behind…in stories retold around the table, in photographs that suddenly mean even more, in familiar sayings and little reminders, and especially in the lives of the grandchildren she loved with her whole heart.

A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Church of the Lakes. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jared Priset.

Family and friends are invited to gather together, share memories, offer comfort to one another, and celebrate the 68 years Joyce shared with those she loved.

Though her life has ended, Joyce’s place within her family has not. She remains part of their story, part of who they are, and part of the memories they will carry forward.

And for Will, Riley, and Rebecca, she will always be Grandma…a title Joyce wore with immeasurable pride, and a legacy of love that will last far beyond a lifetime.