Joyce E. Whittlesey, 97 of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025. She was born May 15, 1927, in Le Mars, Iowa, the second child of James Earl and Martha Lehrman Cooper. She graduated from Le Mars High School in 1945 and enrolled in the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor's degree in art and home economics in 1949.

While attending the University, she met Donald Whittlesey of Humboldt, Iowa. They were united in marriage on August 31, 1947, in Le Mars, Iowa. Upon graduation they moved to Evanston, Illinois where Don attended the Illinois College of Optometry. They moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Don opened his first optometric practice before relocating to Humboldt in 1957, which became 'home'. Joyce was a beautiful lady, the loving mother of four sons and a devout homemaker. She worked doing photo retouching while in Sioux City and became an accomplished seamstress, winning the Make it With Wool Contest for the State of Iowa in 1965. She loved sewing, making clothes, drapes and home décor. She also worked part-time as office manager in the family optometric practice. They retired to Bella Vista in 1987. Joyce was of strong Christian faith and she and Don were members of United Lutheran in Bella Vista for more than 35 years where she played in the bell choir. She was active in PEO earning a 60 year-service pin and enjoyed gardening, playing bridge and was a volunteer at NW Medical Center in Bentonville for over 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her son, Craig in 1991, grandson Luke, sister Ruth and husband, Don in 2020.

Left to cherish her memory are son Marc (Alice) of Bella Vista, son Kirk (Linda) of Humboldt, Iowa, son David (Yevette) of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Alison, Scott, Emilie, Ross and Jennifer, step-granddaughter Alyssa, step-grandson Tyler and ten great grandchildren.

Internment services will occur later in Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.