Blankenship, Joyce E. 1939-2025 Maryville, Mo.
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Joyce Elaine (Haist) Blankenship, a beloved resident of Maryville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on Friday, Sept. 22, 1939, in Graham, Missouri, Joyce lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her family and community.
Joyce was a proud graduate of Horace Mann High School, class of 1957, and pursued further education for two years in college. Her career spanned an impressive 40 years at UMB in Kansas City, Missouri, where she began as a Loan Processor, advanced to the Trust Department, and ultimately served as an esteemed Administrative Officer. Her commitment and professionalism left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the many clients she served.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Otis Haist and Opal Irene (Masters) Haist; her beloved husband, James Gordon Blankenship, who passed in 2010; her brother, Larry Haist; and sister-in-law Elaine Haist.
She is survived by her loving sister, Bonnie (Wayne) Collins, of Barnard, Missouri; and her cherished nieces and nephew, Tammy Haist Luke, Terry Haist McFadden, Jaime Collins, and Tony Haist. Joyce was also a proud great-aunt to several great-nieces and nephews, and a great-great-aunt to one precious great-great-niece. Her loyal dog, Bailey, was a constant companion and source of joy in her later years.
Joyce’s life will be celebrated with a graveside service at Miriam Cemetery, in Maryville, on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. Pallbearers honoring her memory will be Tony Haist, Kip McFadden, Dillon Luke, Dakota Luke, Derek Luke, and Jaren Dombek. Honorary pallbearers include Wayne Collins and Chuck Hetrick.
Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the New Nodaway County Humane Society or donor’s choice.
Joyce Elaine Blankenship will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her remarkable career, and her kind and generous spirit. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
