Joyce Rushmer

Gary Joyce Simms Rushmer, daughter of Panhandle pioneer heritage, passed away September 6, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. Born May 22, 1930, in Panhandle Texas, Joyce attended Panhandle schools, graduating from Panhandle High School.

Following graduation, she attended West Texas State University in Canyon where she met her husband, Gorton Rushmer. They were married and made their home in Canyon. Joyce worked as a bookkeeper, and also raised, trained and showed quarter horses...and she was always surrounded by one or more of her dogs. Joyce was a supporter of the Randall County Sheriff Posse and enjoyed riding with them as often as possible. Known for her lovely soprano voice, Joyce was always available to perform for her church and friend’s special events.

Joyce and Gort spent over 30 years in their mountain home in Rociada, New Mexico before she returned full-time to her home in Canyon. In Rociada, she was active in the Pendaries community and especially the Rociada Baptist Church. While there, she and Gort became avid collectors of Northern New Mexico Indian arts and enjoyed getting to spend time with the native artists.

In 2024, Joyce moved to Tyler, Texas to be near her nieces, Stephenie and Diane. She made many new friends in her assisted living home and often asked them to join her and her dog, Lil Bit on their daily walks.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents, Gary and George E Simms, her husband Gort, her sister, George Ann Randolph and husband, Ben.

Survivors include nieces Stephenie Roberts and husband Randy, Diane Randolph, and nephews John McClelland and Betsy Anderson, and William and Kathleen McClelland.

Graveside services will be held at the Panhandle Cemetery on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm. If desired, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or Rociada Baptist Church, PO Box 747, Rociada, New Mexico 87742 or Randall County Sheriff Posse, 9100 S. Georgia, St., Amarillo, Texas 79118.