JOYCE ELLEN ROUNKLES MELLO - CLASS OF1957

230143      230677
.

                                             Joyce Ellen (Rounkles) Mello,
.

79, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 4, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Joyce was born April 7, 1939 in Russell. 
.
She was one of five children born to Chester L. and Elsie V. (Killian) Rounkles.  She grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise High School in 1957.
.

Joyce was united in marriage to John Joseph Mello, Jr. on April 23, 1960 in Topeka, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; John and Mary.  They made their home in Russell County.
.

Joyce was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She also worked for Klema’s Applemart as a Baker for over 33 years.  She was a member of TOPS #161.  She enjoyed reading, tending her flowers, playing games, watching college basketball, especially Kansas University and spending time with family and friends.
.

Surviving family include her son, John Mello (Shirley) of Desoto, Kansas; Mary Bushnell (Lonnie) of Gardner, Kansas; brother, Marvin Rounkles of O’Fallon, Illinois; sisters, Lois Bonar (Gene) of Cherryville, Kansas and Penny Loker (Gary) of McDonald, Kansas; and two grandsons, Chad Bushnell and Michael Mello; and great grandson, Brock Bushnell.
.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband John and sister Janice Rounkles.
.

A Memorial Service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. 
A private family burial of ashes will follow the services. 
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 9, 2019  at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 
A Memorial has been established with Melanoma Research Foundation .  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.