Joyce Leome Dexter

Mrs. Dexter died Thursday, July 10, 2003, at Country Life Personal Care Home, Montana City.

She was born Jan. 8, 1911, in rural Wallace County, the daughter of Everett William and Rayma Retta (Francis) Rentfro.

Mrs. Dexter had worked for an engraving company and Hershey Baking Co. Later, she was a secretary for Compton Tool and Die, and later at Johnson Western Construction Co. She also had run a child-care business in her home. After earning a nursing degree in 1965, she worked at Long Beach Memorial Hospital as a licensed practical nurse.

She was a member of Lecompton United Methodist Church, Lecompton Historical Society, a volunteer for hospice and was active in the Kansas Foster Grandparent Program.

She married Jason Westel Dexter III on Jan. 1, 1939, in Topeka. He died in 1977.

Survivors include a son, Jason Westel Dexter IV, Lecompton; three daughters, Janet Speirer, Clancy, Mont., Julie Burdette, Norman, Okla., and Joan Chambers, Auburn, Ind.; a sister, Dorothy Orach, Bellflower, Calif.; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to hospice.