Pagosa Springs, CO - Joyce Marie Hertaus (née LeTourneau, formerly Mark)

May 24, 1927 - July 4, 2026

Joyce Marie Hertaus made her grand exit on the Fourth of July. True to our mom's fun, sparkly personality, she chose to begin her next adventure while fireworks lit up the sky. We are quite certain she assumed they were all in her honor.

Born on May 24, 1927, Joyce packed more living into 99 years than most people could fit into two lifetimes. She was blessed with remarkable health, endless energy, and an unwavering optimism that never seemed to fade. She believed life was meant to be celebrated—and she celebrated it every single day.

She is survived by her three children, Jeff (Anne) Mark, Brian (Sue) Mark, and Lauri (Mike) Heraty; bonus daughter Julie (Corey) Otto.

To her grandchildren—Andy, Leah (Nick), Danny (Rosa), David, Michael, Marissa, and Gabriel—she wasn't simply Grandma. She was the Grandma. She was the ringleader of adventures, the queen of sleepovers, swimming days, skating outings, movies, games, laughter, and just about anything that sounded like fun. There was never a dull moment when Grandma was around. Somehow she always managed to make ordinary days unforgettable. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, Ivan, Aileen, Aleksander, and Waylon who will grow up hearing countless stories about the extraordinary woman whose legacy of joy, laughter, and adventure we intend to carry forward.

Joyce loved music from the time she was a young woman and even taught dance lessons to neighbors during the 1950s and 1960s and taught the high school guys how to dance just before prom hit. She danced through life long after the lessons ended. Whether there was music playing or not, she found reasons to celebrate, laugh, dance, and make everyone around her smile.

She also believed that life was infinitely better with a little sparkle. Her closet overflowed with sequins, rhinestones, glittery shoes, and outfits that reflected exactly who she was—vibrant, joyful, and unapologetically herself. If there was an opportunity to dress up, Joyce never missed it. If there wasn't an opportunity, she created one.

Joyce was delightfully unpredictable. She was famous for harmless antics, spontaneous adventures, sneaky mischief, some occasional bad decisions and stories that became family legends. She kept everyone laughing, always wondering what she might do next.

She is preceded in death by many - she was 99 after all! But she will be greeted in heaven by her first husband Dick Mark, her last husband Wayne Hertaus, (read between the lines); her grandson, Michael Heraty; her brother, Roy LeTourneau; her special nephew, Denny LeTourneau; and many dear friends and loved ones who undoubtedly welcomed her home with open arms. Knowing our mom, she has probably already reorganized the seating chart, started the music, and convinced everyone to get up and dance.

Joyce was deeply loved by family and treasured by countless friends in Tonka Bay, Minnesota, and Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Her greatest lesson wasn't spoken—it was lived. Smile often. Laugh loudly. Wear the sequins. Don't wait for a special occasion. Be kind. Make people feel welcome. Choose joy.

The fireworks may be over, but her sparkle never will be.