TROY GROVE - Joyce (Graper) Kenny, 87, of Troy Grove, passed away Dec. 23, 2017 at Heritage Healthcare Center in Mendota.

According to her wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home in LaSalle.

Joyce was born Sept. 16, 1930 at St. Mary’s Hospital in LaSalle to Harry and Maxine (Hamel) Graper. She married Francis “Hank” Kenny on April 19, 1947 in Arlington. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include nine children, John (Jackie) Kenny of California, Patricia (Allen) Mumm and Christy (Lowell) Bonnell, both of Troy Grove, Beth (Dave) Rohman of Arizona, Rusty (Becky) Kenny of Mendota, Paul (Pat) Kenny of Troy Grove, Kathy (Jay) LeRette of Iowa, Norma (Cyrus) Nooriala of Utah and Steven (Brenda) Kenny of Malden; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lois Mequish and Norma Repulski, both of Peru and Ruth Rorie of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, Michael and Scotty Kenny; one grandson, Scott Mumm; one sister, Carol Mori; and one brother, Russell Graper.

Joyce was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Dimmick. She was the mother of 11 children and she lived a life of humbleness, hard work and sacrifice. Born during the Great Depression, she had to grow up fast and during a time when life was not viewed as something for one’s pleasure, but as something that individuals contributed to whenever and wherever they could. Widowed while still having many mouths to feed and a farmhouse to maintain, she simply went to work any way she could. She showed an ability for survival rarely seen today while still finding time to help others around her. Even after her kids were grown, she contributed her time wherever she was needed most. She maintained a wit that could spar with any gym locker rat, while at the same time bake a homemade pie that could best any restaurant. Joyce leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory forever. She is just another piece of the “greatest generation” to leave us, and although her departure leaves this world a little less whole, she will be a welcome addition in heaven. Well done, good and faithful servant!

The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.