Joyce Marie Stangle, 86, of Marsland, NE, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Greeley, CO.  Her graveside funeral service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Hemingford Cemetery in Hemingford, NE with Pastor Matt Parker officiating.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 29, from 5-7pm at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff. Online condolences may be made by viewing Joyce’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Marie was born in Rapid City, South Dakota to Stella (McLaughlin) and Charles Lauzon. Joyce and her three siblings (Romuald “Romeo”, Charles Jr., and Bonita) grew up on a small farm in Custer County, South Dakota. Joyce often recalled riding her horse to school and living a simple life growing up. “I was no athlete, but I won spelling bees.” On September 24, 1955, at the age of 15, Joyce married Thomas Stangle. Joyce and Tom went on to have five children Vicky (Ron Hula), Russ (Shirley), Larry, Kenny (Linda K.), and Linda (Bryan Sidwell) while living in South Dakota on a local ranch managed by Tom.

In June of 1970, Joyce and the children moved to Marsland, Nebraska to join Tom at Davis Cattle Company, where Stangle Herefords was established. Joyce became Tom’s right hand woman. With a steady hand and a resolute heart, Joyce guided those around her with discipline and integrity. Her affection was measured not in sentiment, but in the constancy of her support and devotion to the ranch and her family.

Joyce’s discipline and dedication extended past the ranch and family as she was a member of the American Hereford Association, Nebraska Hereford Women (honored as Hereford Woman of the Year), Log Cabin Extension Club, the local community card club, and a sponsor for many county 4-H organizations. Joyce prioritized the cattle industry creating a legacy with Tom that will live on throughout generations. In 2006, after the death of Tom, Joyce continued with Davis Cattle Company and operating Stangle Herefords with assistance from her son.

Joyce cherished life on the land and the rewards of being self-sufficient. She poured her heart into the ranching lifestyle—working cattle in the barn, preparing hearty meals and vaccinating alongside family for the yearly branding. Her family was her greatest pride, and she took immense joy in supporting her twelve grandchildren at cattle shows at the county, state, and national levels. On the rare occasion Joyce had a moment to slow down, you could find her tending to those plants, cooking in the kitchen, or playing the piano. A talented musician, she could perform both “In the Mood” and “The Entertainer” entirely from memory.

In 2021, following hip surgery, Joyce transitioned from the ranch to Colorado to reside with a family member, ensuring her continued care and independence. While living in Colorado, she embraced a new environment and unique experiences, including outings to local pop-up events such as Denver’s Disney mini-golf and the Dr. Seuss exhibition. Navigating this chapter of city life, Joyce was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. True to her steadfast character, her determination persevered. She continued to live life with grace and perseverance.

Following her time living with family, Joyce transitioned to Grace Pointe, a local care community, where she continued to display her remarkable versatility and hidden talents.

True to her character, there was seemingly nothing she could not do. She embraced a new creative outlet through artwork, enjoyed staying informed by watching the news, and pampered herself during spa days, always taking care to have her hair just right—and always with a cold Mountain Dew close at hand.

While she had previously enjoyed playing pitch at card club, she adapted and grew fond of King’s Corner. Joyce never lost her signature spunk—she was never shy about letting fellow residents know when they had done something she did not agree with. Through it all, she remained steadfastly herself, taking immense pride in speaking of her five children, 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her five children and their families, her sister Bonita (Robert Reeves), numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Stella Lauzon; her brothers, Romeo and Charles Jr.; her husband, Tom Stangle; her son-in-law, Bryan Sidwell; and her grandson, Bradley Stangle.

Joyce’s life was defined by her love for ranching, Hereford cattle, and family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Hereford Women of Nebraska Youth Scholarship Fund. Donations may be mailed to Hereford Women of Nebraska c/o Sarah Person, 2205 E. 24th Road, Hampton, NE 68843.