Ottumwa, Iowa - Joyce D. Shelby, 83, of Ottumwa, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 12:05 p.m. December 4, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa with family by her side.

She was born December 11, 1941 in Centerville to Harold Samuel and Edna Pauline Waite Scurlock. She married Roger Leon Shelby June 17, 1962.

A graduate of Centerville High School and the Iowa School of Beauty, Joyce attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree for counseling. She had worked at Standard Kohlsman and had been a meter maid. She worked for Ottumwa Schools and taught at Douma and Agazzi Elementaries and started the elementary counseling program, retiring in 2001.

Joyce had been a member of Ottumwa Baptist Temple. She enjoyed reading, crafting, sewing and quilting and loved spending time at the Sewing House. She also enjoyed caring for her garden and baking cookies. She was a grandmother to all and especially loved taking care of her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Surviving is her husband of 63 years, Roger; 3 sons, Jeffrey Dean (Ranita) Shelby of Burlington, Todd Leon (Patrina) Shelby of Pason, AZ and Scott Alan Shelby of the Kansas City area; daughter, Kristi Gaye Ridgway of Ottumwa; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; siblings, Eugene Scurlock, Janice Davis, David (Dixie) Scurlock, Judy Earhart, Ruth Peel, Linda Grenko and Tim (Mary) Scurlock; and sister-in-law, Iris Willyard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 grandchildren, Megan Shelby and Coty Ridgway; brother, Jerry Scurlock; and sister, Nancy Mikles.

Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 9th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 10th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.