Joyce Kay Gassert, 82 passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas surrounded by family. She was born on October 5, 1943, in Leavenworth, Kansas she was the cherished daughter of James Shockey and Elizabeth Garish.
She was best known for her loving spirit and her absolute love for spending time with her grandchildren. Whether she was outside feeding her animals in the backyard or spending time with the family, she brought warmth to everyone around her. Her gentle presence and unconditional love created a safe, joyful haven for her entire family.
She was the beloved wife of Arthur Gassert, with whom she shared a beautiful life and recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Her living legacy carries on through her devoted husband Arthur Gassert, her loving children, Kim Potter (Kevin Potter), Robert Gassert (Heather Gassert), Kathryn Huffman (Shaun Huffman): and her adored grandchildren Kylee Carter, Megan Hollingsworth, Dakota Copeland, Britney Gassert, Kaden Gassert, Cody Potter, Kayla Potter, Kory Potter and Kelby Potter. She had 5 great grandchildren, Davina Streitenberger, Everly Streitenberger, Vincent Potter, Julian Lund, Saylor Copeland, all of whom will forever carry her warmth in their hearts.
She was joyfully reunited in eternity with those who preceded in her death, including her parents James Shockey, Elizabeth Garish, her sisters, Carlyon Thomason (Cookie), Beverly Hollingsworth & her best friend of 60 years Carlyon Wilson.
While flowers are welcome, you can request that memorial contributions also be made to Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost funeral home, P.O. box 1260, Lawrence Kansas 66044.
A private celebration of life will be later.
I always thought we’d have more time. It never accord to me that one day you’d be gone, and especially not this soon. I feel like a ship lost at sea, I dont know what im supposed to do. I should’ve called more. Tried to visit more. I just always thought we’d have more time. I love you nan, and I’ll forever miss you. I’ll hold the memories of out time together close to my heart. Life just won’t be the same without. Ill make sure the girls know all about you. Rest easy, and give mom a hug for me. I love you, nanny.
Joyce was always welcoming and warm to me, opening her house up and allowing me to be a part of her family. She was always generous with what she had, happy to gift you the shirt off of her back if it would get a smile. We had a cherished routine on Friday nights where we would join Joyce and Art for good food, good company, and game shows, and it’s tragic to think we cannot return to that better time. Her absence will be felt forever, and she had immense impact on the lives of her loved ones around her. Until our paths cross again,
It’s Freddie Frazier.im going to miss u very much an going to miss ur cookies and the awesome cooking. I remember you yelling at me too get in the house to eat.an u telling me that stop running in an out of the house I told bobby. I love ur smile nade my day .now rip in tell we meet again. Love ur other son Freddie Frazier 💙 ❤️ ♥️ 💕 💖.
Hi mom it’s Freddie ur other son .I will miss you deeply. I’ll miss you an ur cooking an cookies yummy. I will never forget the time you yelled at me an told me too get in the house to eat .I’ll never forget that smile on ur beautiful face when you see me walking in your house. Oo I forgot when you yelled at me an bobby for run in an out of the house them days where awesome. I’ll never forget when you told me to leave Cathy and Kim alone they had boyfriends. Love Freddie Frazier. Rip momma Joyce.
To all the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joyce was an amazing lady and I loved her so much. She was a second mom to me for so many years. She will always be remembered. Love to you all and my deepest condolences 💐
I didn’t know her personally, But im friends with her beautiful daughter Kathy, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Im here for you. Always. You’re such a wonderful person 💕
Oh Mom it’s so surreal I miss you so much and hope heaven knows how lucky they are to get an angel like you! I will look for signs that your around and speak to you always Love you Mom!!!!
The Gassert household and family was a very large part of my life for a few of my younger years and I am thankful for the welcome and hospitality provided by Joyce and Art. Extending my deepest condolences to Kylee, Art, and the rest of the family. Rest in peace, Joyce!
I’ll miss you forever Nan. My life will never be the same without you. Thank you for everything you did for me.
Momma I hope you like what I wrote about you, I wanted the world to know what a wonderful and amazing momma you were. The world is never going to be the same without you and my heart is forever shattered. You left us to soon I still had so much to do with you. Keep shining bright like the momma you are and I will look for your signs and in my dreams.
I miss you momma and love you more than the air i breathe.