Joyce Kreyling-Gebhards

Joyce Kreyling-Gebhards passed away peacefully in her home in Wentzville, Missouri, on September 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 10, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, and lived a life marked by warmth, humor, and a generous spirit that made people feel welcome wherever they were with her.

Joyce was a happy, joking presence who loved her family and friends deeply. She had a gift for entertaining and brought joy to gatherings large and small. She loved to travel, loved football, and had a special affection for elephants, building a large collection that reflected a lifelong delight in them. That love began in childhood, when trips to the zoo with friends meant one thing for Joyce: while others explored, she would happily wait in line for the chance to ride the elephants, something she looked forward to again and again.

She also found great happiness at her condo at the lake, a place filled with laughter, conversation, and togetherness. She hosted huge gatherings there, and there was always room for everyone. Those moments captured so much of who Joyce was—someone who delighted in bringing people together and making them feel at home.

In her professional life, Joyce was a Supervisor with Emerson Electric Motor Division, a role she was excited to hold and took pride in throughout her career. She remained with the company until her retirement in 2003.

Of all the blessings in her life, Joyce was especially proud of her beloved children and grandson. She is survived by her loving children, Keith Kreyling and his fiancée, Paula, and Denise Jahn and her husband, Ron; by her grandson, Matt Breslow; and by many other family members and friends who will carry her memory forward with love.

Joyce was preceded in death by her first husband, Pete Kreyling; her second husband, Edward Gebhards; her parents, Francis J. Edwards and Veronica Edwards; and her sister, Joan Edwards.

Joyce will be remembered for her laughter, her open door, her love of celebration, and the way she made life feel fuller simply by sharing it with others. Her memory will live on in the family she cherished, the friends she welcomed, and the many joyful gatherings that will never be forgotten.