Joyce Ann Kehler, 54, Burlingame formerly of Holton died Friday, July 9, 2010 at a Topeka hospital. Joyce was born on January 17, 1956 in Holton. She was the daughter of John W. and Audrey Abele Kehler. She graduated from Holton High School in 1974, Highland Junior College in 1976 and Emporia State University in 1978 with a degree in Elementary Education. She later received her Masters Degree from Emporia State.
Joyce taught elementary school at USD #454 Burlingame for 29 years. She co-directed many all school musicals and three plays. She was Assistant Director for the high school show choir tour and participated in two community theater musicals. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Red Hat Society, PEO Chapter IQ and the Burlingame Community Library Board. Joyce was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton, where she enjoyed traveling on many youth fellowship trips. She had attended Burlingame Federated Church.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey in 1985 and John in 2006. She is survived by her sister, Mary Maxwell and her husband, Larry, Colby, KS; step-mother, Lorene Kehler, Holton; step-brothers, Chuck Haber and his wife, Karen, Kansas City, MO, David Haber and his wife, Laura, Littleton, CO and Donald Haber and his wife, Connie, Boston, MA; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2010, at Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial will be at the Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to Jackson County 4-H Fair New Building Fund.