Lee “Joyce” Krasser made the world, and everyone around her, better. Born to Rena and Archie Elliott on January 14, 1931, she grew up with her beloved brother, Robert Stokes, in various towns in Polk and Hickory Counties in Southern Missouri.

Joyce graduated from Weaubleau High School and then attended Draughon Business College in Springfield, Missouri, where she excelled in school and became a comptometer operator. While in Springfield, she met and fell in love with Robert “Bob” Krasser. They married and remained lifelong partners for more than 40 years, until Bob passed away in 1996.

Joyce personified dignity and grace. She lived her life with kindness, integrity, and a devotion to God. She was unassuming and humble, never demanding of anyone. She never felt the need to impress others, even though she was smart, observant, and good at seeing people for who they were. She was a quiet person, but she loved to laugh and play board games.

For many years, Joyce and Bob owned a gas station on the North side of Springfield. Joyce kept the books and helped customers, while Bob ran the outside operations. Customers became acquaintances, who often then became lifelong friends.

Joyce and Bob loved to travel and went to the Country Music Association convention in Nashville with dear friends almost every year. They also enjoyed watching car races, visiting county fairs, attending shows in Branson, and going to auctions. They traveled to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary and later traveled to Germany, where Bob’s ancestors once lived. After Bob passed, Joyce traveled with her sister-in-law and a niece to Central Europe.

In 2014, serious health problems forced Joyce to leave her home in Springfield and move to the Kansas City area for medical care and the support of family. During the years she lived in Lee’s Summit, she always appreciated cards and visits from her friends in Springfield. 

She died on May 28, 2022, and has been reunited in heaven with Bob, her parents and brother, and many friends who predeceased her. She is survived by nieces, two great-nephews, and countless friends who loved her dearly.

Burial was private, but there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the College of the Ozarks, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Springfield Little Theater, or a charity of one’s choice.