Joyce Ann FalesEnid, OK

Joyce Fales was born on October 22, 1948, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Dale Oliver and Georgia L. (Daniels) Wilson. She passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Joyce grew up in Enid and graduated from Enid High School in 1966. She then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1970. While attending college, she met Richard Bailey, and they were united in marriage on March 21, 1970. Two children were born to this union, Robin and Robert Bailey.

Joyce began her teaching career in Kremlin in 1974, where she taught for 35 years before retiring in 2009. On June 7, 2003, she married Dan Fales in Kremlin. They made their home in Kremlin before later moving to Enid.

Sitting idle was never part of Joyce’s plan. After retiring from teaching, she became the Education Director of Leonardo’s Children’s Museum. It was her dream job because, as she often said, “I get to teach, play, and the bonus is I get paid.” After 14 years of inspiring and educating children, she “retired” again in 2023. Service to others best describes Joyce’s life. She faithfully lived her Christian values and was a reflection of Christ to those she met. Over the years, she participated in the Willow View after-school program, taught Sunday School, and was active in the Kremlin Home Culture Club, The Wildhorse Gang, and the Kremlin-Hillsdale Academic Foundation Board of Trustees. She was instrumental in the success of Care Portal and was also an active member of the Garfield County Retired Educators Association.

Joyce spent countless hours sewing, crafting, and creating activities for children. She was not only an educator but also a mentor who profoundly impacted the lives of many. Even throughout her illness, Joyce consistently placed the needs of others before her own.
Among the many honors she received were the Beautiful Day Award (2011), Kremlin Lions Club Citizen of the Year (2011), Leonardo’s Family of the Year (2011), the Heart of a Servant Award (2023), and Hometown Hero (2025).

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jim Wilson; and her husband, Dan Fales. She is survived by her children, Robin Bailey and Robert Bailey; her granddaughters, Angela Moore, Naomi Bailey, and Jordan Bailey; her niece, Brandi Ehardt, and husband, Rick, along with their children, Abby and Liam; her sister-in-law, Donna Lamberti; her niece, Abby Park, and husband, Brian, and their daughter, Vivian; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris Funeral Home to Care Portal (www.111project.com care portal), the Kremlin-Hillsdale Academic Foundation (KHAEF), or Mission Willow View.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Willow View Church under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Joyce requested that her life be celebrated with joy, so family and friends are encouraged to wear bright, colorful clothing in her honor. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home.