Joyce A. Downey, 77, of Hutchinson, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 4, 1939, in Palmer, Neb., to Glenn V. and Alice M. (Baumann) Prince.

Joyce graduated from Palmer Nebraska High School in 1957. Following college, she taught in public schools in Lexington, Nebraska, Grand Island, Nebraska and Sikeston, Missouri. Joyce was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter BY. She was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees, and most recently as a trustee. Joyce was also active in the United Methodist Women.

Joyce enjoyed playing bridge with several groups of friends. She also enjoyed and spent many hours caring for the elderly and friends in need. She loved people, young and old alike. Most recently, Joyce's passion was helping with the Kansas Honor Flight, where she enjoyed serving as a leader on over 20 trips, taking Kansas war veterans to Washington, D. C. to visit the war memorials built in their honor. She loved working with the veterans and volunteers on the trips, insuring all of their needs were met.

On Dec. 27, 1959, she married G. Lowell Downey in Palmer, Neb.; a marriage of more than 57 years. Joyce is survived by: husband, Lowell of Hutchinson; daughter, Ann Kvols and husband Kevin of Steamboat Springs, Colo., Jill Leslie and husband Brian of Wichita; grandchildren, Jason Kvols and wife Haleigh, Justin Kvols, Alley Kvols, Emily Brecht, Olivia Leslie, Tate Leslie; and a great-grandchild, scheduled to arrive August 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Prince.

Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 17th and Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Michael L. McGuire officiating. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at Grand Island Cemetery, Grand Island, Neb., with the Reverend Kelly Karges officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.