May 21, 1943 — April 30, 2026
La Cygne, Kansas
Joyce Elaine Sergent lived her life exactly the way she wished others would live theirs—with kindness, generosity, attention, and grace. Proudest of all was her quiet conviction to help others. She was a caregiver to her core, and everyone who knew her felt it.
Born May 21, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, Joyce was the daughter of Kit Carson Leasure, Jr. and Irene Elizabeth (Day) Leasure. She grew up alongside her beloved sisters, Judy and Janice, riding horseback to the Prairie Home one-room schoolhouse and learning early lessons about responsibility, resilience, and community. Those lessons followed her for the rest of her life.
Joyce graduated from La Cygne High School in 1961 and went on to fulfill her calling at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, graduating in 1965. On May 1, 1965, she married Ronald Eugene Sergent at the United Methodist Church in La Cygne—a partnership rooted in love of family and shared purpose. The day after Joyce’s passing would have marked their 61st wedding anniversary.
Joyce and Ron briefly lived in La Cygne before settling on the family farm next door to Joyce’s parents, where they built a home and raised their daughters, Marty and Susan. That homeplace was a hub of warmth—known for trail rides and camping trips, Fourth of July fireworks with family, and hot dog roasts and fishing at the pond with s’mores shared over the fire. Through it all, there was the steady presence of Joyce welcoming everyone in.
A nurse in every sense of the word, Joyce spent her career caring for others across nearly every area of nursing—medical-surgical, OB, emergency care, surgical recovery, hospice, home health, pediatrics, and long-term care—and for many years in Dr. Banks’ office in Paola. Her knowledge was vast, and her assessment skills were remarkable. She seemed to notice the smallest details others missed—in both people and animals—and knew instinctively when something wasn’t right. From removing fishing hooks from fingers to answering late-night health calls, from home visits to rides to doctor appointments, Joyce gave her time and medical knowledge freely and without hesitation. She never stopped learning and maintained a lifelong thirst for medical science and nursing practice.
Yet Joyce was far more than her profession. She was endlessly positive, always assuming the best in people. She accepted everyone, judged no one, and never tolerated belittling or exclusion of any kind. Joyce made space for others—always welcoming, always inclusive. She truly never met a stranger, greeting everyone she passed with a smile, a wave, or a simple hello.
Her compassion ran deep. Joyce could place herself in others’ shoes with rare empathy, and she never wanted anyone to suffer—people or animals alike. She was happiest on horseback, on winding Colorado trails, on the farm with her family, and immersed in nature. She had a remarkable knowledge of the natural world—prairie wildflowers, birds, and plant life—and loved nothing more than quietly observing and learning.
Joyce was a gifted seamstress—the family’s “fix-it Granny,” who could make nearly any half-formed idea come to life with her needle and thread. She also gave a second life to more garments, household décor, and horse gear than anyone can count. She was a great cook and was frequently called upon by her family to make one of her famous dishes, including red velvet cake, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, homemade noodles, potato salad, and pumpkin bread.
Joyce was devoted to her United Methodist Church family, P.E.O. Chapter CV sisters, and to the people of La Cygne and Linn County. She was unwavering in her willingness to step up—bringing meals, filling gaps, watching children, lending a hand, or simply being present.
Joyce loved her family beyond measure. She supported them unequivocally and was deeply proud of her daughters and sons-in-law, her grandchildren, and her extended family. She is survived by her husband, Ron; daughters Marty (Brian) Hunt of La Cygne and Susan (Chris) Marshall of Lawrence; grandchildren John and Ella Marshall; step-grandchildren Alyssa (Elton) Gove and Joshua Hunt; step-great-grandchildren Elliott and Chelsea Gove; sister and brother-in-law Judy (Wes) Coffel of Mound City; brother and sister-in-law L.A. and Mary Walley of Amoret, Missouri; sister-in-law Carolyn Sergent of Florida; many nieces, nephews, and their loving families; and her cherished animal companions, including her faithful dog, Dally, and horse, Smokey.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Janice; her brother-in-law, Junior Sergent; and more animal friends than can be counted.
Joyce Elaine Sergent passed away on April 30, 2026, at KU Medical Center after a brief illness resulting from heart failure. Her heart might have finally petered out, but she lives on in all of ours. Her absence leaves a space in our world that will take many people to fill, yet her legacy lives on in every life she touched. The world is gentler, kinder, and better because she was in it—and all who knew her are better for having loved and been cared for by Joyce. She is our loving wife, mother, sister, granny, aunt, and friend.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
