Joyce Ballew Rich passed away January 20, 2022 , at Mapleton Care Center, Lakewood, due to complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, at the age of 80. She was born on August 14, 1941, in Kansas City, MO. Joyce attended Elementary through High School in Liberty, MO. She graduated from the University of Kansas, with a B.S. in Education, 1962, and began a 32 year Elementary teaching career in North Kansas City, MO. She also earned an M.A. degree in Elementary Administration from UNC, Greeley, CO. After moving to Colorado, in 1964, she continued her teaching career in Jefferson County (South Lakewood Elementary). For several years after her retirement, Joyce was a volunteer at the front desk at Lutheran Hospital. Joyce was a member of the Applewood Valley United Methodist Church, Golden.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Wilson Ballew and MaeBelle Allen Ballew.  She is survived by her husband, Ron; her daughter Joanna Milewski (John), of Denver; her son Allen Rich (Heather), of Tucson; and seven grandchildren.

A private interment service will be held at Crown Hill Good Shepherd Mausoleum. A public Memorial Service for Joyce will be scheduled at a later date.  Our thanks to the wonderful staff at Mapleton Care Center, for their care and support during the past seven months.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Choral Scholar Program at Applewood Valley United Methodist Church, 2035 Ellis Street, Golden, CO 80401.