Joyce Marie Cudney, 85, of Columbus, died October 4, 2023. Born at home February 14, 1938, down by the Neosho River in rural Miami, Okla. Joyce was the daughter of Bruce and Dorothy (Dowty) Vanatta. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jerahmia McDonald.
Valentine’s Day was the perfect day for Joyce to start her legacy of love. She loved everyone around her. She knew no strangers. People, who she had never met before, would stop her in a store to tell her their life’s story.
Joyce’s biological family, would love to list each person, who she nurtured and treated like family, but that wouldn’t be possible. That list, like her legacy, would extend into forever.
Her younger siblings include Leonard Vanatta, Tom Vanatta and Vivian Waldon all of Columbus, and Steven Vanatta of Caney Joyce spent most her life living on a farm on Greenlawn Road between Baxter Springs and Columbus.
Joyce and Fonda Cudney were united in marriage June 6, 1957. They had three children: Randy Cudney of Columbus, Tammy Goul (husband Kent Goul); of Miami, Okla. and Monty Cudney (wife Vanessa Kreiger) of Columbus. Other Survivors include her grandchildren, Rebecka Hardy (husband Joshua) of Columbus, Melissa Baker (husband Steve) and Rainy Hockenbrock (husband Paul) all of Miami, Okla.; along with her greatgrandchildren: Brooklynn Scott, Madison Hockenbrock, Ally Scott, Faith Allemann, Remington Hockenbrock, and David Hardy. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
Joyce worked long hours on the farm, driving trucks and tractors, but she always found time for her hobbies. Joyce was an avid reader and writer, even publishing her own recipe book. The recipe book was complete with her own beautiful paintings. She was an amazing cook, and always had a full “from scratch” meal on the table for anyone stopping by at a mealtime. These meals often contained food grown in her bountiful garden. The table always displayed homegrown flowers, which she had arranged to her high standards. Joyce had a true servant’s heart, and her love of God drove all her actions. She spent many years teaching people of all ages at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in rural Columbus. Her Bible Classes were divinely inspired by both her life and her thorough research. Joyce and Fonda joined C3 Worship Center in Commerce, Okla. in 2015 and even when she was no longer able to attend services, her heart remained firmly planted in God’s house. She battled many chronic conditions throughout her life, and many doctors called her “a walking miracle.” She survived despite the pain. Joyce did not fear death, as she knew she would spend eternity in heaven. Our hearts are broken across the four-states area, as we grieve the loss of Joyce, but we hold tight to the legacy of love that she left. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to C3 Worship Center’s food pantry, which was near and dear to Joyce’s heart.
Services were held Monday, October 9, at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus. Burial followed at Greenlawn Cemetery.