Joyce Guillemot

Joyce Guillemot, age 83, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Arborwood Lodge Assisted Living in Wisconsin Rapids.
A Celebration of life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. An additional Celebration of life will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Grain Valley Community Center at 713 North Main Street in Grain Valley, Missouri.
Joyce was born on November 16, 1940, in Higginsville, MO, to James B. and Grace (Vorwork) Kelly. Joyce married James Guillemot on November 4, 1961, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Higginsville, MO. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage until his passing on August 17, 2021.
Joyce was a gifted seamstress from her early years, a talent she developed and nurtured throughout her life. After graduating from Central Missouri State College, she began a wedding dress business that showcased her incredible talent and deep love for people. Joyce took great joy in being a part of each wedding party she crafted dresses for, her work often becoming the centerpiece of the bride's special day.
Once her sons were in school, Joyce joined Associated Purchasing Service as a Purchasing agent in the healthcare industry. In her 25-year career, she made many friends and enjoyed her work. Once her family was grown, she convinced Jim to return to her country roots, and they purchased a horse farm in Grain Valley. Her passion for sewing extended to the local Walking Horse show circuit, where she spent countless hours creating unique and stunning costumes for the many horse shows she attended with her beloved husband, Jim. They were always surrounded by friends and spoiled dogs, cats, and horses.
The family tradition she continued during Easter when trays of various chocolates would be prepared, was something everyone looked forward to. Her generosity shone through in the memorable week spent on her horse farm with each grandchild, making each one feel cherished and loved. Every year, she would host the famous Noodle Camp at her house, a testament to her love for family and togetherness. Christmas was a special time for her; it was a time to be with the entire family, filling the house with laughter, love, and warmth.
Joyce and Jim moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 2021, to be closer to family, Joyce once again established many new friendships in their home.
Joyce is survived by her children: Russell Eugene (Kay) Guillemot of San Diego, CA, and Michael Kent (Teresa) Guillemot of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren: Matthew, Daniel, Bree (Steve) Cox, and Cori, all of San Diego. CA., Thomas (Megan) of Naperville, IL., and Samuel of Amery, WI.; great-grandchildren: Skyler, Tatum, Lennex Cox of San Diego, CA., and her trusty but very spoiled daschund, Max.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Guillemot, of 59 years, and her brother, Gene Kelly.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Arborwood Lodge Assisted Living Facility, especially Tammy and Deb, for the excellent care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding Facilities, 7550 NE Crouch Road, Cameron, MO, 64429, Attn: Pam Swindler, or call 816-724-0344.