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Joyce Margaret (Schaefer) Bales, 67, of Cody, passed away on Oct. 12, 2025, in Murray, Utah.
Joyce was born on Oct. 17, 1957, to Leonard and Edna Schaefer of Powell, Wyoming. She was raised on the family farm west of Powell. Joyce attended school in Powell and graduated from Powell High School in 1976. Joyce obtained her AA in business from Northwest College in Powell.
On March 3, 1979, Joyce married Thomas Bales of Cody, Wyoming. Joyce became a ranch wife and a stay-at-home mother to her beloved children Jason, Kyle and Jennifer. She was very supportive of her children, especially their FFA, 4-H and athletic activities. Joyce returned to work in Cody once her children were grown, eventually finding a career at Walmart in 2012 as a checker. Joyce greatly enjoyed visiting with her customers and considered many of her fellow coworkers her “Walmart Family.” Joyce was known throughout town for her smile, ability to share a good story, and treasuring special moments with those her came across her path. Joyce had a special place in her heart for the children who came through her Walmart line and always made sure to offer a kind word (and maybe a few treats). Joyce was an extremely hard worker in all that she endeavored in all aspects of her life. She was extremely selfless, often putting her family and others before herself.
Joyce was preceded in death by parents Leonard and Edna Schaefer, brothers James and Lynn Schaefer, and sister-in-law Marjorie Schaefer.
Joyce is survived by husband Thomas Bales, adult children Jason Bales, Kyle Bales and Jennifer Tucker; grandchildren Caleb, Isabella, Carter, Aspen and Bear; sister Judi (Gary) Buckingham, brothers Allen (Connie) Schaefer, and Keith (Brenda) Schaefer. Joyce is also survived by many nieces, nephews and in-laws who were very close to her heart.
A rosary will be prayed on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cody. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the church. Joyce will be laid to rest next to her parents at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell at 2:30 p.m. that day.
Memories and condolences can be shared on Joyce’s memorial page at BallardFH.com.
