A star has dimmed with the passing of Joyce Darrough on June 28th, 2026, whose life was defined by an unwavering faith in God, a boundless devotion to family, a proud connection to her local ranching heritage, and service to her community. She passed away peacefully June 28, 2026, with family at bedside.

Joyce Mary Darrough was born in Evansville, Indiana to William David and Vada Lorraine Moorhead on October 8, 1932. She lived and worked alongside 11 brothers and sisters till she married. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents and husbands’, Harry B Darrough and Lester Hale Deason; her eleven siblings: Charles Moorhead, William F Moorhead, Doris Mikesell, Una Huber, Shirley Moorhead, Maureen ‘Winkie’ Moorhead, Nancy Mikesell, June Smith and Joseph Moorhead. She is also preceded in death by her children; James W Deason, Floyd R Deason, Jerry A Deason, Laura Deason, Leslie M Reeves-Arzberger “Jynx”, Gerald and Gary Darrough. She is survived by her children; Joy Rouse and Lester H Deason Jr.; her daughters, Misty Thompson, Venessa Carter, and son Wayne Darrough who she loved as her own. She is also survived by a multitude of Grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who knew her by many names; mom, sister, Grandma, Granny, Big Grandma and lovingly known as ‘GG’.

Her heart belonged to her beloved husband of nearly 50 yrs. Harry B Darrough with whom she shared a beautiful and intertwined life. Family finds comfort knowing Harry welcomed her home. They were each other's anchor, partners and best friends. Their marriage was built on an unwavering love, companionship and a deep devotion to family. Together, they prayed daily for thanksgiving and for the wellbeing of family, and country.

In the community, Joyce was known for her dedicated service and spirited leadership. She was a proud and active member of the Berrendo Cowbelles, even earning the prestigious distinction of being named Cowbelle of the year. Joyce’s work with the Cowbelles supported local communities and charitable causes, reflecting her deep respect for the land, her neighbors, and the timeless ranching traditions of Southeast New Mexico.

Joyce believed wholeheartedly in faith, family and country. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She spoke to the Lord throughout each day and believed that every decision be guided by her faith, love and commitment to God and family. Joyce was a devout member of St Peters Catholic Church. Our family has lost its matriarch- the woman held us together through every season in life. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. One of Joyces’ gifts was making quilts. Every stitch was sewn with love, creating treasures that will continue to warm generations of family long after her departure from this life. Her quilts are more than blankets; they are hugs and love to last forever.

Those who knew Joyce will forever smile with the memory of her lovingly calling different family members names before ending with the intended name, especially when excitement and emotions running high, you would hear, “Joy…. Jynx….Mandyie…Krystal… Mary”! Some of the happiest memories her family shares are of crowded Christmases at their warm welcoming home with all the family that could be present, sitting around the Christmas tree and the kitchen table. Then Easter Sunday, at Peppermint Park was always a wonderful and sometimes wild family gathering. Our family has lost its matriarch, the woman that held everyone together with unconditional love, quiet strength and unwavering faith. While her presence will be deeply missed, her values will continue through the generations she loved so fiercely and will live on forever in the hearts of those she loved so deeply.

Pallbearers are her grandchildren; William J Rouse, Thomas Deason, Jared Deason, Austin Thompson, Dominic Flores, Josiah Deason, Andruw Clark, Alik Clark and Jonah Deason. 

Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren; Angel Flores, Mary Flores, Krystal Deason, Jeffery Deason, David Deason, Jerusha Rogers, Mandyie Flores, Decia, Giselle Moody, Rebecca Mayberry-Deason, Trevor Thompson, and Elissa Fierro.

The family extends heartfelt and gratitude to all that lovingly cared for both Joyce and Harry on a daily basis with unwavering love, compassion and devotion. Your kindness, compassion and selfless dedication will never be forgotten. To the neighbors, their chosen family, that always kept an eye on the house and called when things didn’t look right and pulled the trash bin to the street on trash day and placed it back in the evening. Those that caught thieves coming out of the house. Neighbors that crossed out of their daily lives to check on them when family couldn’t be there. Yes, it takes a village. God’s plan is greater than our understanding, and we trust they are together again.

LaGrone Funeral Chapel will be hosting a Viewing July 9, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 pm with The Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm; Services will be held at St. Peter’s Church July 10th, 2026, 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Joyce’s memory by spending time with those you love or offering a kind gesture to a neighbor in need. The family also extends sincere gratitude to the compassionate physicians, caregivers and staff of: ENMMC, Spring River, Comfort Keepers, & Enhabit Home Health & Hospice.