Joyce Chapel Peterson, 103, Hastings, Neb., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Village in Hastings.

She was born on February 9, 1923, in Graham County, Kansas, to Lloyd and Myrtle (Salladay) Baughman. She grew up on the family's farm northeast of Stockton, Kansas, alongside her younger brothers, Cleo and Lloyd Jr.

With electricity, indoor plumbing, and television still decades in the future, Joyce learned to enjoy the simple values of farm living. Her early years on the farm built character that remained with her throughout her long and remarkable life.

Joyce graduated from Rooks County High School in 1940 and married Joe Chapel in July that same year. Together, they leased and farmed land near Stockton, Kansas, during the 1940s and 1950s, while raising their two children, Myron L. Chapel, born in 1941, and Dana L. Chapel, born in 1952.

In 1962, Joyce and her family moved to Hastings, Nebraska, a place she quickly grew to love. She often spoke of Nebraska's beauty, especially its wide-open green fields and breathtaking sunsets. Hastings became her home for more than six decades and the community she treasured.

In 1965, at the young age of 42, Joyce welcomed her first of eight grandchildren into her life…and “Grandma Joyce” was born. Joyce enjoyed every moment of being a grandmother as she happily passed on family history and traditions to a new generation.

A woman of deep faith, Joyce was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Hastings and, in later years, faithfully attended First St. Paul Lutheran Church. Her church families provided lasting friendships and spiritual support throughout her life.

Following Joe's death in 1986, Joyce remained independent and active. During those years, she worked as a hostess at Golden Corral in Hastings, where countless co-workers and guests came to know and love her as "Grandma Joyce." Her warm smile, welcoming spirit, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

In 1991, Joyce married Virgil D. "Bud" Peterson. Their marriage was filled with companionship, laughter, and shared devotion until Bud's passing in 2015. Through this marriage, Joyce joyfully welcomed stepdaughter Shelly Oglesby into her family.

Joyce's life spanned more than a century of extraordinary change, but what remained constant were her kindness, resilience, unwavering faith, and love for family. She was a wonderful storyteller, a faithful friend, and a source of wisdom and encouragement for generations who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her daughter, Dana (David) Vavra of Milligan, Neb.; stepdaughter Shellie (Scott) Oglesby of Omaha, Neb.; beloved nieces and nephews of the Baughman family; and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Myrtle Baughman; her husbands, Joe Chapel and Virgil "Bud" Peterson; her brothers, Cleo (Freddie) Baughman and Lloyd (Kathleen, Diane) Baughman Jr.; her son Myron (Sharon) Chapel; grandson Tyron Chapel; and other family members who welcomed her home to eternal life.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Joyce's long life was richly lived, her faith was steadfast, and her legacy continues through the many lives she touched. Her enduring love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Good Samaritan Village “All Saints Chapel”, 931 East F Street, Hastings, NE. Please join us for supper at 5:00 pm with an “Old Fashioned Cookout” at 4080 East ‘J’ Street (Central Community College, Hastings).