Joyce LaVonne Sheets, of Burwell, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Nebraska at the age of 92.

Joyce was born on August 29, 1933, at Stapleton, Nebraska, the daughter of Delbert and Olive (Stalnaker) Jenkins. She completed her education in 1951, graduating from Baker Rural High School.

On November 17, 1951, Joyce was united in marriage to Donald L. Sheets at North Platte, Nebraska. Together, they ranched near Stapleton before settling in Burwell in February of 1959. A home north of Burwell became their residence in 1969 until their move to town in 2016.

Joyce dedicated twenty years to being a devoted homemaker and raising her family. Later, she served as a nurse aide at the hospital and worked at Slim’s Ice Cream, Blueberry Hill Café, and the local school cafeteria, where she loved the school kids.

An active member of the Buzzin’ Dozzen card club, Joyce enjoyed bowling, bingo, and spending time at the Senior Center. Joyce was known for her desserts and sharing them with anyone who visited the family arena.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Marcia and Russ Tiffany of Burwell, Jim and Cheryl Sheets of Mullen, Pat Burnham of Burwell, Tammi Hendricksen of Sargent, and John and Lisa Sheets of Arcadia; seventeen grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and a sister-in-law, Colleen Sheets of Burwell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don who passed away on March 23, 2018; their son, Dave Sheets; sister, Lila Mae Lambertz; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmie and Gerene Jenkins; son-in-law, Rob Burnham and great granddaughter, Brooke Burnham.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Father Paul Colling will be the Mass Celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. 

Memorials are suggested to the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.