Joyce L. Abarr, 84, of Grinnell, died Friday, November 8, 2013, at her home with her family by her side. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. A private burial will be held at a later date in Rock Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the Smith Funeral Home, with the family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grinnell Regional Hospice. Joyce was born to Quentin and Thelma (Main) Abarr on February 21, 1929 in Redding, Iowa. She was a child of the Depression Era, even so, she lived up to the meaning of her name, Joyous One. She gave joy and happiness to those around her; she was true to her children, family and friends. As a youngster, she enjoyed games, school, softball, basketball and horseback riding. Going to visit her extended family was a special treat. During her teen years, Joyce learned to sew, cook and bake; which led to her famous bread, rolls and cookies. Joyce always said she would rather be a tomboy than a priss. On June 16, 1946, she was united in marriage to Ronald Grandstaff in Newton, Iowa. They brought four children into this world; Joyce Diane, Dan, Randy and Megan. Her children brought her much joy. She found work at the shoe factory, then DeLong Manufacturing where she was a seamstress and supervisor for a total of 49 years. Joyce was a mentor and friend to her fellow workers. Joyce liked to study the Bible, fellowship and Bible school. Bus tours and road trips gave an enjoyable break to the daily life. She enjoyed visiting friends who were confined to their homes or care facilities. September 24, 2009, Joyce married Kenneth Elliott in Newton, Iowa. The couple enjoyed horseback riding. You could always find them dining at different local restaurants. Joyce loved picnics. She started the annual Cousins picnic, where all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren would come to play in the creek and woods. Later, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, followed by family pictures and lots of love. Joyce will be remembered by her children, Joyce Diane Grandstaff of Grinnell, Dan (Janice) Grandstaff of Mason City, Randy (Setsuko) Grandstaff of Montezuma, and Megan (Bob) Mart of Grinnell; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Bob) Nelson of Rock Falls, Iowa; three brothers, David (Billie) Abarr of Grinnell, Lannie Navratil of Roslyn, South Dakota, and Dr. Michael (Linda) Navratil of Stanley, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth Elliott and a grandson, Jeffery Sampson.