Joyce Marie Plante, 79, of Hays, died Friday, March 20, 2026 at HaysMed.
She was born December 29, 1946 in Moore, Oklahoma, the daughter of Paul and Opal Marie (Norris) Smith. In 1964 she graduated from Liberal High School and on February 10, 1968 she was united in marriage to Norbert F. Plante in Liberal and they celebrated 58 years of marriage. Norbert and Joyce moved to Hays in 1985 and were members of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. She was a school bus driver for USD 489 for 12 years, worked as a hairdresser, and operated a daycare from her home. Joyce enjoyed sewing, quilting, and ceramics, was a Girl Scout leader and active in 4-H, and dearly loved her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband Norbert of Hays, her son Brian Plante and wife Naomi of Ceresco, NE, her daughter Lori Plante of Hays, and six grandchildren, Lindsee Plante, Josh Plante and wife Alicia, Logan Plante, Beth Plante, John Plante, and Lexi Wittman.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Hospice or to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and memories of Joyce may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com