Joyce L. Degenshein, 75, of Prindle Apartments, 80 E. North St., Ilion, formerly of Frankfort, died Wednesday, April 12, at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. She was born Feb. 21, 1931, in Ilion, the daughter of Kenneth and Martha (Pierce) Smith, and graduated from Ilion High School. Joyce was a veteran of the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Air Force. In 1952, she was married to Irving Degenshein in Virginia. He died in 1976. Joyce was employed as a secretary at H.M. Quackenbush Co. of Herkimer for 20 years. She was an active member and current vice president of the Mohawk Valley Garden Club. Joyce was an active member and organist at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years. Her church activities included children's primary organization with music, Family History Center worker and member of the church's Relief Society. Joyce was always working with the children in the church's annual talent shows. She taught the children different songs in English and some in German, and was always performing with her ventriloquist "friend," Penelope. Joyce was also very famous for her annual Christmas cookie party, baking hundreds of different kinds of cookies. Survivors include her daughter, Susan "Sue" Roeder of Uncasville, Conn.; her granddaughter, Rebekah Roeder; her grandson, Jared Roeder; her sister, Karen Sauer of Mohawk, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Frances Goewey. Friends and relatives are invited to attend funeral services on Monday, April 17, at 11 .m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 317 Gros Blvd., East Herkimer. Dedication and interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17, at the Graham Cemetery, Hubbardsville. Calling hours are Monday from 9-11 a.m. at the church prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk Valley Garden Club or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion, or during the calling hours at the church on Monday. The family offers special thanks to the third floor staff at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home for the excellent care and kindness given to Joyce. Joyce's family has entrusted all funeral and burial arrangements to Don Applegate of the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion (895-7722).