Joyce Mae Kaufmann, age 90, of Wilton, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Simpson Memorial Home, West Liberty. A visitation was held from 10–11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at Bentley Funeral Home, Wilton. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the funeral home. Burial took place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. Memorials may be made to the Wilton Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Joyce was born on May 14, 1936, in rural Atalissa, the daughter of Harvey and Florence (Everett) Petersen. She graduated from Atalissa High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball. She was united in marriage to Donald Babcock and later married Fred W. Kaufmann.
Joyce was a devoted farmwife and spent much of her life working alongside her family on the farm. Together, they raised corn and soybeans and cared for cattle and hogs. She enjoyed gardening and canning her harvest. Joyce also enjoyed helping her friend, Vi, at Butterfield Bakery in Wilton. She took pride in staying busy, whether she was working around the farm, tending her garden, or helping others.
Family was an important part of Joyce’s life. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. She especially enjoyed hosting family holidays and was known for her potato salad, a favorite that was always at family gatherings. In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed attending yard sales, assembling puzzles, flower gardening, and creating arts and crafts. She also enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards, especially Rummy. Joyce was recently baptized on Sept. 11, 2026, an important and meaningful moment in her life. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to be shared by her family and friends.
Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her son, Dallas (Pam) Kaufmann of Elizabeth, Colo.; two daughters, Dixie Cain of West Liberty and Mandy (Jesse) James of Tipton; five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchil-dren; and a daughter-in-law, Joann Babcock of Wilton
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, Donald Babcock and Fred Kaufmann; two sons, Donnie and Derby Babcock; a son-in-law, Randy Cain; one sister, Maxine Hoffman; and one brother, Bill Petersen.
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