Joyce M. Soph

Joyce M. Soph, 88, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Rock Creek of Ottawa. Her wishes were to be cremated with private family services to be held later. Joyce was born July 13, 1932, at St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of Elmer and Jessie (Roberts) McDowell. She graduated from Benton High School, St. Joseph, Missouri, with the class of 1950. Joyce was united in marriage to Robert McDonald Soph December 5, 1953, at St. Joseph, Missouri. He preceded her in death on February 2, 2009. She lived in Warrensburg, Missouri, moving in 1956 to Ottawa. Joyce was a devoted homemaker also working at TWA reservations in the early 1950’s; secretary for the Base Commander at Whiteman Airforce Base in 1954 to 1956; and Lister & Associates as a real estate agent in the mid-1980’s. Joyce loved to travel, enjoyed several cruises and European trips, crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy. Above all, she enjoyed her family and grandchildren and the time they spent together. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Shirley Handley, and infant daughter, Carrie Kathryne Soph. Survivors include two sons, Christopher (Debbie) Soph of Hollister, Missouri, and Kirby (Susan) Soph of Ottawa; and three grandchildren, Hayden Soph of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sara Soph and fiancé Michael Steinbacher of Omaha, Nebraska, and Andrew Soph of Ottawa. The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.