Joyce Lorraine Cordes

Joyce L. Cordes

Joyce L. Cordes, 78, of Rapid City, SD, died at her home on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Services were at South Maple United Methodist Church in Rapid City, Tuesday, May 26 with the Rev. John McKnight Jr. officiating. Burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Joyce Lorraine Cordes was born in Lusk, Wyoming Feb. 2, 1931 to Roy and Hazel (Bullington) Walker.

Joyce married Jerry P. Rommel on March 6, 1950 and they were married for ten years. She later wed Lloyd "George" Cordes on September 14, 1963 and they were married until his death in 1973.

Joyce raised eight children; three daughters and five sons; Jerroycee Basham (married to Rex Basham, Pittsburgh, PA), Cindy Riter (Rapid City), Dan Rommel (married to Donna, Rockerville), Chuck Cordes (married to Jill, Rapid City), Butch Cordes (married to Darlene, Rapid City), Rocky Rommel (Billy, Hermosa), Toby Cordes (d. 1989, Rapid City), Georgeann Cordes (Rapid City).

Grandchildren; Jason Basham (Amanda, Pittsburgh), Angela Basham (Pittsburgh), Rob Schulhoff (Susan, Coeur D'Alene, ID), Anastacia Schulhoff (Tampa, FL), Michelle Peard (Aaron, Summerset), Chris Cordes (Tampa, FL), Kenny Riter (Dawn, Rapid City), Travis Riter (Cora, Rapid City), Jesse Albrecht (Erin, Rapid City), Shaina Rommel (Rapid City), Jerod Rommel (Rapid City), Elizabeth McCloud (Rapid City), Jessica Hein (Chad, Rapid City), Brad Cordes (Rapid City), Ashley Cordes (Rapid City) and Shauna Cordes (Rapid City).

Great Grandchildren: Nickolas and Jackson Basham (Pittsburgh), Jaden Riter and Lillian Riter (Rapid City), Blake and Isabella Curtis and Ashton Peard (Summerset), Addison Grass, Kayden & Alivia Albrecht (Rapid City), Cerrisa Hein (Rapid City), and baby girl Rommel due in July.

Joyce was the third of four children and was preceded in death by her brother Bill Walker and sister Lois Weber. Her sister, Beverly Bonsell currently resides in Lusk, Wyo. with her husband Roger.

Joyce was best known for her servant's heart, serving God and learning about Him through church groups; United Methodist Women (UMW), Women Who Care, Church Women United, Discipleship class, the School of Missions and various committees.

Even as a small child Joyce was very patriotic, and always showed respect for the National Anthem, standing with her hand placed upon her heart even as it played on the radio. She was in the American Legion Junior Auxiliary and years later the adult Auxiliary as well. She helped the WWII war effort by collecting scrap metal for recycling, and writing to her brother Bill faithfully throughout his naval career and war time deployment.

An avid music lover, Joyce sang in Glee Club, church choirs and the UMW/WWC Singers. Her home was always filled with music and laughter. Though she suffered from a multitude of health problems, she never lost her joy and had everyone laughing even the night before she passed.

She is now at peace in the arms of her beloved Savior and we know he welcomed her as his good and faithful servant. She saw to it that all her children were baptized and raised as Christians. We take comfort in the knowledge that she is watching over us and pointing us toward Him.

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