Joyce Robertson Pickett, 88, of North Platte, formerly of Red Cloud, passed away Dec. 28, 2014 at Great Plains Health. Joyce was born October 27, 1926, at Red Cloud, the only child of Fred and Clara Belle (Scott) Robertson. She was a bright, happy and outgoing child, entertaining community groups with her dancing, singing and piano playing. From the age of five through her teen years, she participated in many musical stage productions in the area. A pleasing memory was being a member of a high school clarinet quartet that received a “superior” rating in national competition at Wichita, KS. After graduating from Red Cloud High School in 1944, she was employed as a secretary by the U.S. Triple A Farm Conservation Service in Red Cloud for the next three years.
On July 31, 1945, she was married to Wayne Dee Saladen at Smith Center, KS. To this union were born two beautiful children, Nancy Dee and Kirk Edward. Her family further expanded in 1959 when niece, Jeffie Saladen, came to make her home with them. Joyce was an active member of the Red Cloud community and First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was also active in Eastern Star and the Red Cloud Extension Club, where she and her friends pursued interesting craft projects. When her last child was gone from home, Joyce was employed by Red Cloud United Methodist Church as secretary/bookkeeper, a position she held for five years till she moved to Grand Island.
Joyce was married to Darrell Pickett on May 1, 1976 at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Platte. She was employed by Hansen, Fuenning, Raetz, Erb, Roggow and Keck as a typist/bookkeeper and remained with that firm for nine years till Darrell’s three sons came to live with them. At that time, Joyce became a sales representative and group sales leader for Avon Cosmetics in order to have more time at home with the boys. She continued with Avon for eighteen years, earning sales awards and honors as a member of The President’s Club each year till she retired in 1999.
Joyce’s first love was her family and her home, though she devoted much time and energy to her church and to helping others. She loved to cook and had an extensive cookbook collection. She also loved to crochet. For many years each new grandchild and great grandchild was welcomed with their own special afghan, as were many other family members. She loved to read and to travel. The family visited all of the states and parts of Mexico and Canada. She also searched deeply into her family history and genealogy. She was a member of the North Platte First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.
Preceding her in death are her parents; son, Kirk Edward; grandson, Scott and two granddaughters, Lori Remmenga and Mykayah Hodgen.
She is survived by her loving husband, Darrell; daughter, Nancy Dee (David) Remmenga of Clay Center; niece, Jeffie Lee (Jim) Phillips of Maple Grove, MN; two daughters by marriage, Belinda Sue (David) Peirce of Columbus, Lisa Anne (Mark) Hodgen of North Platte; three sons by marriage, Kevin Brett (Linda) Pickett of Colorado Springs; Trent Darrell (Tracey) Pickett of Wichita, and Trevor Gene (Kris) Pickett of Nixa, MO; 24 grandchildren; 26 great grand-children; and a nephew, Don Saladen. Many other beloved family members and friends mourn her passing.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in North Platte with Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will be at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.