Joyce Ann Gosselin

Joyce Ann (Benoit) Gosselin, 69, died at her home Tuesday evening, November 15, 2016, surrounded by her family. Joyce was the third oldest of eight children. She was born to Bernard and Marie (Brown) Benoit on the family farm south of Damar, Kansas, July 11, 1947. Joyce attended grade school and graduated from Damar High School. On July 29, 1967 she married Larry Gosselin of Bogue, Kansas at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Damar. Six children were blessed to this marriage. Joyce was an active member in her community and a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hill City for over 30 years. During those years, she became the church Sacristan, and in 1993 she became the CCD coordinator. In addition, she would be seen cleaning and taking good care the church and rectory. In 1994, Joyce volunteered her service and special talent in the Hospice Program. Joyce had such a gift for working with, not only the patients, but also giving support, love, and comfort to their families. Joyce enjoyed gardening and spending time with her many friends in the community. She was so excited about her trips to her children’s and grandchildren basketball or football games. She especially looked forward to her road trips to the Stockton ball games with Joe and Lori Green. Joyce definitely had a passion for the Kansas Jayhawks, especially basketball. On any given night, if her Jayhawks were televised, you could find her glued to the television. She might have ignored anyone who tried to interrupt those games! She would also let you know just how good KU Basketball was. Joyce shared a special bond with her sisters and mother throughout the years with their annual “Girls’ Week-end”. These weekends ranged from trips to Hays or Salina shopping, to spending time visiting, or just enjoying each other’s company with an ice cold red beer. Joyce continued this “Girls’ Week-end” tradition with her two daughters. She took every opportunity possible to spend time with her children and grandchildren visiting them in their homes or would especially anticipate holidays when everyone would come home to her. Joyce was preceded in death by her father and mother Bernie and Marie Benoit; grandson Trevor Mark Kuhlmann, and step-grandchild Kayla Hartwell. She is survived by six children: Bryan and wife Kim Gosselin of Hill City; James and wife Morgan of Denver Colorado; Janet and husband Mark Kuhlmann of Stockton; Thomas and wife Sarah Gosselin of Pampa Texas; David and wife Nicole of Damar; and Becky and husband Phil Jaramillo of Pampa Texas; sixteen grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren; five brothers and two sisters: Carol McKenna of Russell; Bob and wife Kayleen Benoit of Wichita; Martha and husband Roger Irby of Aurora Colorado; Daniel and wife Janella Benoit of Hill City; Jerry and wife Liz Benoit of Salina; Lawrence and wife Jolene Benoit of Damar; and Dave and wife Carmen Benoit of Pueblo, Colorado. Joyce, we are all going to miss your quiet way of getting things accomplished, your beautiful eyes that spoke volumes and your unwavering faith in God. Rest in peace.