OVERBROOK, Kan. – Joyce C. Dillon, 86, of Overbrook, Kan., passed away peacefully July 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Joyce was born Oct. 16, 1939, in Overbrook, to Charles D. Garst and Leora Bachelor Garst.
She graduated from Overbrook High School with the class of 1957, and remained a proud supporter of her hometown throughout her life.
On June 14, 1959, Joyce married the love of her life, John E. Dillon. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, farming, and community, sharing more than six decades of marriage. They raised three sons, Jeffrey, Douglas, and David, who preceded her in death in 2008.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Jeffrey and Douglas; grandchildren, Austin Dillon, Cameron Dillon, Meghan Bartek, and Molly Hartman; seven great-grandchildren, Tate, Mabel, Finlee, Tyson, Maddox, Corbin, and Aris; sister, Marsha McKee; brother, Douglas Garst (Julie); sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Flory and Yvonne Heinen; stepsisters, Carol Turner, Barbara Woodruff, and Suzie Woodruff Mohr; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Her commitment to her community was extraordinary, where she was active in countless community organizations, including the PTA, 4-H, FFA, and the Douglas County Fair Board. She was honored as Douglas County 4-H Family of the Year, served as grand marshal of the Overbrook Parade, and won Mother of the Year every year, according to her sons.
Joyce spent much of her life serving the Overbrook community she dearly loved. She worked at many of the town’s businesses over the years, including Topping Drugs, O’Bryhim’s Grocery, First National Bank, and Brookside Retirement Community. Alongside her husband John, she owned and operated the Overbrook Livestock Sale Barn for more than 20 years, where they built lasting friendships with farm families from across northeast Kansas.
Joyce was also proud to be one of the original founders of the Overbrook Historical Society, preserving the rich heritage of the community she cherished.
Joyce will be remembered for her boundless energy, infectious smile, and adventurous spirit. She loved planning family vacations, weekend outings, community events, and gatherings that brought people together. Whether organizing a celebration, supporting her children and grandchildren, helping a neighbor, or volunteering in the community, Joyce believed life was meant to be lived to its fullest.
She was also known for her generous heart and unwavering encouragement of others. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome, where meals were shared, stories were told, and laughter was never in short supply. She was famous among family and friends for her homemade cheesecakes, her tireless work ethic, and her ability to make every holiday and family gathering feel special.
Even as her health declined in recent weeks, Joyce remained true to her optimistic spirit. Surrounded by those she loved, she offered one final message that perfectly captured the way she lived her life: “The Show Must Go On.”
Those words will remain a lasting reminder of her resilience, humor, and determination to celebrate life despite its challenges.
Family graveside services will be held at Washington Creek Cemetery. A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on a date yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Overbrook Historical Society, PO Box 81, Overbrook, KS 66524.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her life touched countless people, and her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
