Joyce Thornton Cox

Joyce Thornton Cox, 85, of Bella Vista, Ark. died Feb. 25, 2016 at Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville. She was born Feb. 12, 1931 in Libertyville, Ill. to Shirley and Winifred Thornton. Joyce graduated as Valedictorian in 1949 from Rolfe, Iowa High School. She attended Stephens College, Columbia, Mo. from 1949-1950 and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1953 with a degree in Home Economics, and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Joyce was married in 1953 to Larry Stoner, and moved to Rock Port, Mo., where they raised a family. She was active in her church, enjoyed bridge, reading, politics and English History. Joyce worked as a travel agent from 1975 to 1983 then owned and operated a travel agency for 10 years in Rock Port which allowed her to travel to many locations. She married her high school sweetheart, Eldon in 1990, moved to Bella Vista in 1992 and became a charter member of First United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, and infant brother. She is survived by her loving husband; sons, David, and wife Carol, Andrew, and wife Susan, and Matthew Stoner; stepdaughters, Paula Cooke, Kathy Johnson; stepson, James Cox; two grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 at The First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista, 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista, Ark., 72715. Rev. Jaimie Alexander will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bella Vista United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72715. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.