Joyce Burkhead

Alta “Joyce” Burkhead (Cousins), the daughter of Bert and Bessie (Betts) Cousins, was born on January 6, 1941, in Lorimor, Iowa. She passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, in Stuart, Iowa, at the age of 85.

Joyce met the love of her life, Bill Burkhead, while working as a waitress in Des Moines. The couple was united in marriage on July 19, 1959, at Grant Park Christian Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Together they were blessed with two children, Randall and Wendy.

Joyce enjoyed life on the family farm, where she helped raise sheep, dogs, horses, cattle, and pigs. She loved gardening, mowing the lawn, and hosting family gatherings. Her home-cooked meals were legendary among family and friends, especially her mashed potatoes, potato salad, and fried chicken.

Family was the center of Joyce’s life. Growing up in a large family with twelve siblings, she cherished time spent with loved ones. She and Bill enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota, water skiing, visiting family in southern Missouri, hunting morel mushrooms, and sharing meals made from their harvest. Joyce also enjoyed trying her luck on the slot machines at the casino.

In 2010, Joyce and Bill retired from farming and moved to Creston, Iowa, where she was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Creston.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Randall Burkhead of Lorimor, Iowa; her daughter, Wendy Burkhead of Winterset, Iowa; four grandchildren, Jesse (Melisha) Rynearson, Gentry (Bill) Cox-Guierrez, Benjamin Burkhead, and Jamie Burkhead-Thomson; six great-grandchildren, Brayden Rynearson, Morgan Rynearson, Caelan Bence, Lukas Bence, Emmett Burkhead, and Griffin Rynearson; one great-great-grandson, Colter Bence; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Burkhead; her parents, Bert and Bessie Cousins; and her twelve siblings.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, at Pearson Family Funeral Service in Creston, Iowa. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Lorimor Cemetery in Lorimor, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation in Joyce’s memory.