VanEs, Joyce (Mrs. Wilbur) 1928-2020

VANES, SWETS, WILLEMSEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Van Es, Joyce (Mrs. Wilbur) 1928 Orange City -Dec 3, 2020 Russelville AR

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In the Sioux County Capital – Democrat of Dec 10, 2020

Joyce Swets Van Es, age 92, of Russellville passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020. She was born September 5, 1928, in Orange City, IA to John and Johanna (Willemsen) Swets. She married her best friend and love, Wilbur Van Es, in 1948, who preceded her in death on July 1, 2002.
Joyce was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She treasured her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana.

Joyce loved to serve others, she taught both children and adult Sunday school for over 60 years. She was a member of Bible Study Fellowship 50 years, and served as a leader in BSF for 17 years.

She also shared her love for food and entertaining by preparing meals for others both privately for her large family and publicly at First Baptist Church in Russellville. Joyce volunteered countless hours preparing meals for church functions and her joy was preparing and delivering meals for the shut-in ministry. She was a member of First Baptist Church, The Abiders Sunday School Class, and the Sr. Adult Choir.

Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, II Samuel 24:24- “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God offerings that cost me nothing.”

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Wilbur G. Van Es; two brothers, Delbert Swets and Marvin Swets; a little sister; and great-granddaughter that died at birth.

Survivors include five sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Charlotte Van Es of Little Rock, Ron and Virginia Van Es of Springdale, Wendell and Katy Van Es of Russellville, Jeff and Polly Van Es of Conway, and Kevin and Kellie Van Es of Russellville; one daughter and son-in-law, Lora and Chris Briggs of Bluffton; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews.

The graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Rest Haven Memorial Park with the Rev. Greg Sykes and Rev. Keith Shipley officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

A drive through visitation will be Monday, December 7, 2020, from 3:30 p.m., to 4:30 p.m., at the Shinn Chapel entrance.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Benevolence fund, Post Office Box 36, Russellville, Arkansas 72811-0036.

Pallbearers will be Todd Van Es, David Van Es, A.J. Van Es, Drew Van Es, Bryan Van Es and Chris Briggs.