After a life of love and quiet grace, Joyce Lola Huggans of Burwell, NE has passed.
The chapters of her life were many; these are some of them.
Joyce spent her working life as ['teaching that would span many years and touch countless lives'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Love, when given fully, leaves its mark on every life it touches.
Joyce L. Huggans, of Burwell passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Valley County Health System in Ord, Nebraska at the age of 87.Born on May 19, 1938, in Longmont, Colorado, Joyce Lola was the daughter of Roy Olaf and Martha Elizabeth (Schwaderer) Larson. She spent her early years in Colorado and completed her high school education in Greeley. Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, Joyce earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Greeley College, after which she embarked on a career in teaching that would span many years and touch countless lives.Joyce’s professional journey brought her to Nebraska, where she served as a business teacher at schools in Hay Springs, Hyannis, and Burwell. While at Hay Springs, she furthered her academic credentials by obtaining a master’s degree from Chadron State College.Joyce married Donald Huggans and the couple later remarried after her second husband, Noelin Hooper, passed away in 1978.Throughout her life, she was an active member of the Assembly of God Church, NESA and the Burwell American Legion Auxiliary Unit #298 for 44 years. Her passion extended beyond the classroom to gardening, flowers, and needlework. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends and anyone who stopped to admire her flowers.Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Valory and Roger Rocheleau of Burwell; a son, Jerry Huggans of Texas; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Pat Larson; a nephew, Jeff and Kathy Larson all of Colorado; and many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ocie and husbands, Noelin Hooper and Donald Huggans.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Pastor J.B. Sikes and Pastor Dave Busch will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Burwell Assembly of God Church.
