Obituary for Joyce Ann Breckenridge

Joyce Ann Breckenridge, 77, of Newton, Iowa, passed away at home on September 23, 2026.

Joyce was born on February 14, 1949, in Centerville, Iowa, to Iris Seals and John Admire. She was raised by her mother and her dad, Elmer Salasberry, whom she always considered her father. She graduated from Newton High School in 1967.

Joyce married Reggie Gray in 1969, and together they had two daughters, Nicky Cowan and Heather Oswalt. They were married for 13 years. She later married the love of her life, Steve Breckenridge, on June 25, 1982. They remained together until Steve's unexpected death in 2011, and she never remarried.

Joyce spent nearly 30 years working at The Vernon Company in Newton, where Steve also worked. The two drove to work together and ate lunch together every day. Somehow, after spending all week together, they still wanted to spend their Saturdays together, too. Almost every Saturday meant a trip to Des Moines to shop. Joyce loved finding a bargain, especially on the sale racks, and over the years accumulated a truly impressive—and somewhat hilarious—number of shoes.

For all the time Joyce and Steve spent together, perhaps the simplest way to describe their marriage is also the best: they really liked each other. They genuinely enjoyed being together, whether they were driving to work, sharing lunch, or spending another Saturday wandering the stores in Des Moines.

After Steve's death, Joyce retired the following year, after nearly 30 years at The Vernon Company, and began a new chapter of her life.

More than anything else, Joyce wanted to be a good mom and grandma. Family was the center of her life, and she loved her grandchildren fiercely. She sometimes joked that she couldn't believe she had ended up with two daughters and eight grandchildren: Cameron Marsh, Rylie Naert, Brittney Marsh, Reese Oswalt, Paige Cowan, Seth Oswalt, William Cowan, and Gabe Cowan. Being their grandma was one of the greatest joys of her life, and each of them knew how deeply they were loved.

Joyce was very health-conscious and loved to walk. Her daughters remember her taking long walks decades ago, and Joyce had only one speed: fast. Apparently, that trait was hereditary, because Nicky still gets told that she walks just like her mom.

When balance issues eventually made walking more difficult, Joyce wasn't about to stop moving. Two years ago, she bought herself a motorized trike and could regularly be seen riding it all over Newton, often with her beloved dog, CoCo, along for the adventure. CoCo loved going for rides with her.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Nicky Cowan and Heather Oswalt; her grandchildren; her siblings, Joleen Crawford, David Salasberry, and Randy Salasberry; and her beloved CoCo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Breckenridge; her mother, Iris Salasberry; her biological father, John Admire; her dad, Elmer Salasberry; and her sister, Brenda VanHoose.

A Celebration of Life for Joyce will be held Saturday, October 10, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Discover Hope 517, 733 1st Ave. E, in Newton, Iowa. Friends and family are invited to stop by during the open house to share memories and celebrate Joyce's life.

Joyce's life wasn't measured by titles or accomplishments nearly as much as by the people she loved. She wanted to be a good mom and grandma, and she was that and more. She leaves behind two daughters, eight grandchildren, and a family who knew beyond any doubt how fiercely they were loved.