1944-2026
Joyce Ann (Stephenson) Groom, 81, of Panora, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. at Hendersons Funeral and Cremation Care in Des Moines. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Hendersons Funeral and Cremation Care at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Des Moines Masonic Cemetery.
She was born on Sept. 3, 1944, in Adair to Wayne and Ruby (Tibben) Stephenson. Joyce grew up in Brayton and graduated from Exira High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, she began working for the federal government at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. It was there that she met a young Marine, Richard “Dick” Groom. Their meeting quickly became family legend. Dick famously “put out her fire and lit her fire in one motion” when he rescued her after her hair caught fire while she leaned over a gas stove at a party. That unforgettable moment sparked a love story that would last a lifetime.
Joyce and Dick were united in marriage on May 25, 1963, beginning a partnership that spanned more than 62 years. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Richard “Rick” Jr. and Jon. The couple eventually made their home in Des Moines where they raised their family. Joyce was a devoted and involved mother, serving as a Cub Scouts Den Mother and supporting her boys in every endeavor. After holding several part-time positions, she began her long career with Northwestern Bell (now AT&T) in the early 1970s, where she served as National Account Executive until her retirement in 2006. In retirement, Joyce and Dick moved to Lake Panorama, a place that brought her great joy. She loved golfing, boating and, most of all, creating a fun, welcoming environment for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the heart of family gatherings, the true matriarch whose strength, warmth and steady presence shaped generations.
Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, Dick; her son, Jon (Carmen); her grandchildren, Richard “Rick” Groom III (Stephanie), Tanya Foster (Nick), Dallas Groom (Amanda) and Nathan; and her cherished great-grandchildren Mitch Foster, Kennedy Foster, Olivia Groom, Hattie Foster, Anna Groom, Nash Foster, Coen Foster and Asher Groom. She is also survived by her sisters, Janice Clark of Johnston and Jolene Schmidt (Rod) of Waukee, along with many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her eldest son, Richard “Rick” Jr.; and her brother-in-law, John Clark. Joyce’s legacy lives on in the family she loved fiercely and led faithfully. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.