On March 15, 2026, Joyce Elaine Vandenberg at age of 83 was welcomed at Heaven’s gate by her friend Jesus. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend and was an inspiration to many. She cherished being a grandma and great grandma and seeing them made her smile even brighter. She adored all children (blessings) she came across in her life. Joyce was born in Oskaloosa, IA on October 7, 1942. She grew up on her parents’ farm in Leighton, IA where she attended grade school and attended high school in Pella, IA. In high school Joyce met Ron Vandenberg and they married in 1960. They were married for over 60 years before Ron’s passing in 2022. Together they welcomed two children into the world, Mark and Lori. In 2022 Joyce moved into the Cottages care center in Pella where she remained until her passing.

Joyce had many talents and hobbies. She loved riding her bicycle all over Pella, playing and coaching softball and her craft club. Sewing was a great passion for her. The “Created by Joyce” label was attached to many things including all styles & types of clothing, wedding apparel, quilts, window treatments and her renowned Dutch costumes. If something were made of fabric she could fix it or create it. She also loved to crochet and knit and often wanted to take photographs. Joyce was an extraordinary cook and baker. Her family and friends always ate well with a variety of great food. She also canned meat, fruits & vegetables, made Dutch letters and bars, candy, monster cookies for the annual garage sale, and brought her signature caramel rolls to every family event and holiday. Joyce was always up for trying something new in the kitchen or with her sewing machines. She loved dessert most of all and her favorite treat was ice cream, only made better with strawberries on top. “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream,” she would say.

As a long-time member of Third Reformed Church, Joyce enjoyed weekly worship, family activities, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, sewing for missions, picking up church attenders before service with Ron and the senior trips with the Pillars group. Joyce’s faith was her anchor, and she demonstrated God’s love to everyone she met. “Have a wonderful and blessed day” was her regular greeting to friends and strangers. Her kindness showed in all she did and Joyce always made the best of her current circumstances. She was grateful for even the simplest of things in her life and received immense joy in helping others in any way possible.

She loved being a waitress at the Central Park Café, Strawtown Inn and Pella Golf and Country Club. Joyce loved socializing with her customers and developed many long-term relationships through her work.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon Joyce enjoyed taking a motorcycle ride with Ron. They often ended their day with a Hallmark movie. One of her favorite annual activities was visiting her parents in Florida during the winter. Some of Joyce’s most memorable adventures were with sister-in-law and close friend Delores Van Rees.

Joyce loved her family and is survived by her children, Mark (Brenda) Vandenberg, Lori Vandenberg, grandchildren Brandon (Kelsy) VanderLeest, Lynnae (Kyle) Ellenwood, great-grandchildren, Brielle, Klayton, Skylynne, Calum and Denver along with her brother Steve DeCook of Johnston, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband Ron and her parents, Steve & Mildred DeCook. While we grieve Joyce’s passing, we also honor the love, joy, humility and kindness she embodied. Grief reflects the depth of our love.

Memorials for Joyce may be directed to Pella Community Foundation.