Joyce DeGeest

Joyce DeGeest, 75, of Oskaloosa, died of cancer on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at her home. Joyce Colleen DeGeest was born Joyce Long on May 22, 1951, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Her parents were Dolores Luella McNeese, aged 31, and Warren Long, aged 38. Joyce was the youngest of three children. Her brother, Warren Guy Long, and her sister, Helen Marie Long, were 10 and 12 years old when she was born. She married Mark DeGeest on May 17, 1969, just five days before her 18th birthday. She wore a baby blue wedding dress when she walked down the aisle. They took a short honeymoon just before he left for the military. That same year, she graduated from Oskaloosa Senior High School, moved away from home, and had her first child. Mark came home on leave at Christmas time in 1969 to take Joyce and their first child to North Carolina, back where he was stationed. After being discharged from the military, they moved home to Oskaloosa, and Mark went to work at Pella Corp. After about a year, Mark was called up to join the National Guard for training in Minnesota. They then moved to Cedar Falls and lived at Hipple Hallow. Mark then decided to finish his college education, so they returned home while he attended William Penn College. Joyce then had her second child, Teri DeGeest, in 1973. Two years later, Joyce started driving the bus for the Oskaloosa school system. This was not only employment but also a way to keep a better eye on her girls. She drove a bus for 20 years, then started a career with the Christian Opportunity Center, working for another ten years. During that time, she had two more children, April in 1981 and Trisha in 1983. After Mark’s father, Glen DeGeest, passed away in 2006, they inherited and moved into the farmhouse on Goose Lane with four acres. Joyce’s hobbies were sewing quilts, gardening, and cooking. She was a Girl Scout leader for 12 years while her daughters were involved in scouting activities. She loved baking and decorating birthday cakes for family and friends. She also made a quilt for each new member as they entered the family. Everything she made was done with love and felt special to the receiver. She was loved by many, and her kindness and generosity will be missed by all. When Teri DeGeest married Ryan Cummins, Ryan had already had a child, Kira. Thus, she became a grandchild. Joyce was always willing to invite another child into her fold. One of her greatest joys was children and watching them grow. Her family includes husband, Mark of Oskaloosa; her four daughters: Michele, Teri, and April DeGeest, all of Oskaloosa, and Trisha DeGeest of Knoxville. Her grandchildren: Quadashia [deceased], Razzae, Shatiera, Chenoa [deceased], Aiyana, Autumn, and Kira; and her great-grandchildren: Theodore, Henley, Bentley [deceased], Dodge, Warren, June, Ember, Jordan, and Hazel. Joyce’s best friend is Karen Mattix; they have been friends since they were teenagers. She also had a close relationship with her niece, Cindy Robbins, whom she considered a special friend. In addition to her parents, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter, Joyce was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Robbins, and brother, Warren “Warney” Long. As was her wish, her body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held later. Her ashes will be interred at Bellefountain Cemetery near Tracy. Memorials can be made to Bellefountain Cemetery. Her arrangements are entrusted to Langkamp Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

Joyce DeGeest

May 22, 1951 - June 14, 2026