Joyce Irene Cribbet

Joyce Irene Loewen Cribbet was born December 10 ^th , 1950 as the fourth child of Bernhard “Barney” and Ruth Penner Loewen, and was the pride and joy of her parents and sisters.

Joyce grew up on a dairy farm in Inola, Oklahoma where she learned the value of hard work and family togetherness. The family moved to Vera, where she attended Middle School in Vera and graduated from Collinsville High School in 1969. She excelled in business and secretarial skills. Because of her business skills, she first worked as a secretary in Tulsa.

Joyce met and fell in love with the handsome and fun-loving Gayle Eugene “Butch” Cribbet from Skiatook, Oklahoma. They married on August 29 ^th 1971 at the Mennonite Brethren Church in Collinsville where Joyce grew up, was saved and baptized.

Joyce and Butch worked together at his parent’s Otasco store in Skiatook from 1972 until 1974 when they purchased the Otasco store in Collinsville. They ran the store under as Otasco until the name changed to Coast to Coast, then True Value, and finally Cribbet’s until Joyce’s illness in November 2016. After 42 years of meeting, greeting, hugging, and serving old and new friends sis days a week, Butch closed the store so he could take care of Joyce.

Joyce was a member of the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce and Collinsville Down Town, Inc., where she served on several commities. The Collinsville Education Foundation was one of her favorite projects. Halloween, her favorite community event, meant shopping for at least 4,000 pieces of candy. Joyce and Butch were just given the Gold Key Award for “Making a Substantial Investment in our Community” from the Chamber of Commerce and a Special Congressional Recognition from Jim Bridenstine, U S House of Representatives. She was active in Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a women’s service and philanthropic organization, where she hosted many events.

The happiest day of their life was when Gayle Ann was born. Gayle was born. Gayle Ann brought an extra large measure of sunshine, love, and laughter into their lives, along with their favorite son-in-law Brad Cantrell and two beautiful grandchildren, Abby and Chelsea.

Travel was a passion for Joyce. She loved the beach, the sound of the waves, the sunshine on her face, and the sand between her toes. The trip to South Beach with Cary and Sharon Shaw was a very special trip. Her favorite trip was last year when she and Butch, along with Gayle Ann, Brad, Abby and Chelsea went to Disney World in Florida.

Joyce passed early Thursday morning, following an extended fight against cancer. Joyce is survived by her husband Butch, daughter Gayle Ann, son-in-law Brad Cantrell, and two granddaughters, Abby and Chelsea, all of Collinsville, and two sisters Margie Baltzer of Talala and Kathy Flanagan of Collinsville, along with a wealth of family and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother Kennith Loewen.

Friends and family describe Joyce as the kindest, sweetest, friendliest, most generous, loving lady in town. She had a smile and a hug for everyone. She loved to laugh, often til tears ran down her face. She loved everyone and they loved her right back.

The family takes comfort from the knowledge that she is with Jesus now, can breathe naturally and is no longer in pain.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Meadowcreek United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Mangan and Pastor Mike Frantz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Collinsville Education Foundation, c/o of the American Bank of Collinsville.