Joyce Joan Haley

Joyce Joan (Rhamy) Haley was born October 29, 1933, on a farm North of Nodaway, Iowa, four miles from her present-day home of 70+ years. Joan was the second child born to Cecil and Arlene (Anderson) Rhamy, with siblings, Duane, Patricia and Robert. Joan attended country schools south of Corning until sixth grade, when her family moved to the Turner Farm north of Nodaway (which she and Jim purchased in 1969). She then attended and finished her school years in Nodaway. Joan played basketball while in high school, but her competitive nature never let her finish a game, as she fouled out of every game she played. On December 31, 1949, Joan married James Edward Haley at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Nodaway. She never forgot the words of her neighbor that told her, “Joan, you are too young. It will never work." She lacked 6 days of spending 51 years with the love of her life, when Jim passed away on December 25, 2000. To this union, three daughters were born...Connie Joan, Jolene Kay, and Cheryl Irene. The family grew with nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Joan was a farm-wife, always working side-by-side with her husband. When Jim's health failed, she could be found on the tractor or in the combine, by his side, so he could safely continue doing his life's work. Joan was "truly a good example of Christian faith in action" as quoted by her niece, Karen. From taking friends or family for doctor appointments, faithfully calling to check on loved ones, sitting with loved ones as their life on this earth ended, or just lending a helping hand. Joan was an avid bowler, completing her 67th year in a bowling league (2023). Because 4-H played such an important role in her life as well as her daughters', Joan served 8 years on the Adams County Extension Council and 11 years on the 4-H and Youth Committee. She instructed several 4-Hers with their ceramic projects and in 2010, she was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Joan was a 70 year member of the Nodaway United Methodist Church, until it closed, which she described was like losing a family member. Most recently, Joan served on the Main Street Corning Board and the Adams County Historical Preservation Commission.

Joan rarely had idle time. She loved to be busy doing yard work, ceramics, knitting and embroidery. She followed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many activities and if she wasn't able to attend, she would watch from her computer. She traveled extensively with Shari Fulton's World-Wide Tours and after each trip said, "it was the best one ever!" Joan remained active in the farming business as she and Cheryl and Dave continued Haley Farms following Jim's death. For the last 20 years, Joan has worked at Sweet Desires Bakery in Corning. When most people are retiring, she started her first job out of the home. She truly enjoyed connecting with so many new and former acquaintances.

Joan entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Corning Specialty Care, Corning, Iowa, at the age of 89 years, 10 months and 18 days.

Joan is survived by her daughters; Connie Cleaver of Missouri Valley, Iowa; Jolene (Rick) Bissell of Corning, Iowa and Cheryl (David) Swartz of Corning, Iowa; grandchildren , great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was extremely proud to be a part of a 5 generation photo. Also surviving is her Aunt Shirley Kimball of Spokane, Washington and sister-in-law, Sandy Thomas of Corning, Iowa, along with her dear friend, Chris Dunn of Nodaway, Iowa; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, brothers, sister and in-laws.