August 29, 1943 – March 21, 2024
Martha “Joyce” Rangel, born August 29, 1943, peacefully passed away March 21, 2024, while in the presence of loved ones. She was born and raised in Gower, Mo. where she was crowned homecoming queen and graduated as Salutatorian of her class. Joyce started a career at the U.S. Postal Service, working her way from mail carrier to Postmaster, retiring as the Postmaster of the Dewar post office. It was during this time that Joyce met Joe Rangel, while carpooling daily for work from Henryetta to Tulsa. They fell in love and were married on August 23, 1987.
Joyce raised two daughters, Ronajo “Jo” and Audrey, always working hard and providing a good, fun-loving home. Joyce also found time to travel the world with her best friend, Patty Mc-Guire. Their friendship spanned almost 60 years and created many treasured memories. Joyce loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished making lifelong memories with them.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Helen Everett of Smithville, Mo. and her sister Sandra Miller (John) of Trimble, Mo. She is survived by her husband Joe P. Rangel from Henryetta; daughters Ronajo Townsend (Mark) of St. Joseph and Audrey Starkey of Tulsa. She leaves behind four grandchildren (Mallory Fletchall, Emily Starkey, Mason Starkey (Lauren) and Ellie Starkey); and two great-grandchildren (Paxton Fletchall and Preston Fletchall).
She will always be remembered for her uncanny ability to find four-leaf clovers and her sharp wit. Joyce loved flower gardening, fishing, and watching NASCAR and the Kansas City Royals.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Heaton-Bowman- Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, 3326 Chatham Ave. in St. Joseph, Mo.
