Joyce Emma Stapert

Joyce Emma Stapert, 75, of Austin, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020.  She was born August 16, 1944 in Dupree, South Dakota to the late Harry and Dorothy Schetnan Fairbanks.  Joyce was the epitome of a loving wife to her husband “Bud” for fifty-seven years.  Spanning the many years on the prairies of South Dakota she was a homemaker, ranch hand, cook and caretaker.  She was part owner of DJ’s Cafe and assisted with managing the Club House at Lake Waggoner Golf Course.  Later in life she took great pleasure in cooking for residents at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital, before moving to be with her family in Arkansas.  Joyce was more than a loving mother, she was the matriarch and keeper of her family, always placing them first and others before self.  Joyce never met a stranger and took great pleasure in her exceptional card skills, especially “Head and Foot.”  She was quick to point out that any loss was directly associated with cheating by the opposing side. She was well known as an amazing cook who could in an instant, whip up a full spread on short notice, including the world’s best apple pie.  She found a new family in the Old Austin Methodist Church and especially looked forward to “potlucks,” knowing exactly what each member liked the best. She loved to share stories, recipes or skills learned over many years of being a rural wife and would stop any task to help others, or offer advice or assistance when asked. Joyce was especially proud of her Granddaughter Caitlyn, who she was able to mold and mentor over ten years before her passing. Joyce also spent a great deal of time on spoiling her two Grand Puppies; Bentley and Bella, who she would often come steal when she needed company.  Joyce’s world took a sharp turn in July 2019, with the passing of her loving husband Bud.  Although she was dealt a crippling blow and her life would be forever changed with his passing, she rebounded with an enhanced focus on her faith, family and friends. She took pride in knowing they would be reunited one day. Her family is blessed to know that the reunion has been made.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Burdell “Bud” Stapert, her sister, Joan (Jack) Seymour, and brothers, Harry Lewis Fairbanks and Kenneth (Carol) Fairbanks.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Darla (Trent) Pettis of Austin, Arkansas; two sons, Brian Stapert of Belle Fourche, South Dakota and Jeffrey Stapert of Cabot, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Jamie Pettis of Rapid City, South Dakota and Caitlyn Pettis of Austin, Arkansas; great-granddaughter, Willow “Bug” White of Pierre, South Dakota and brother, Donald (Sally) Fairbanks of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Memorial Services will be held Friday January 31, 2020 at 2:00p.m. at the Old Austin United Methodist Church Ward, Arkansas with Interment at the Black Hills National Cemetery Sturgis, South Dakota at a later date.
Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816.