Joyce Lee Skinner Jensen was born January 2, 1938 to Russell and Mildred (Loger) Skinner in Union County, South Dakota. She was the oldest of eight children. She died Feb. 27, 2020 at the Alcester Care & Rehab Center surrounded by her family.

She attended Brule and Dodd Country School before entering Alcester High School, graduating in 1956. Joyce attended Southern State College in Springfield, SD, receiving a one-year teaching certificate. She taught classes for a year at Dodd Country School.

Joyce married Bruce E. Jensen on June 20, 1958. They were blessed with six children, Debra, Glenn, Judy, Mildred, Patricia and Walter.

She was a longtime 4-H and Scout Leader (Boys and Girls). Joyce was very active in her church; she was a youth group leader, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, she sang in the church choir and belonged to several fellowship groups.

Joyce was very active in the Alcester community; she was always there to help in any way and always having a kind word and smile for everyone. She was a longtime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6149.

She loved to garden, especially vegetables and perennials. Joyce enjoyed needlework, sewing, quilting and crafts. She also loved to read and visit with others. She was blessed with many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; daughter, Judy; grandson, Dennis; her parents, Russell and Mildred and two brothers and one sister.