Joyce Evelyn Reeves

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joyce Evelyn Reeves, 91 of Huntley, Illinois on September 13, 2026. She was born on August 22, 1935 in Deerfield, Illinois the first daughter of Jacob and Evelyn (Peterson) Schwingel of Palatine.

Through her journey of 91 years, she touched so many lives, especially those in her family and her life long friends. She was a woman of boundless strength, a very positive attitude, and a deep curiosity for knowledge that remained throughout her life.

Joyce grew up on Slade Street in Palatine as one of eight siblings, surrounded by four brothers and three sisters. Growing up in such a large, loving family meant she was always at the center of a vibrant circle of relatives. She carried this love for crowded, joyful gatherings into adulthood, proudly continuing her mother’s tradition of hosting massive holiday parties for 35 to 40 people. These gatherings brought the family priceless memories filled with laughter, love, and delicious food. Her love for entertaining was rooted in those earlier days; on Sundays, the family would visit her mother's house. While sitting around the kitchen table patiently waiting for one of her mom's much-loved Swedish pancakes, a game would always break out. Everyone loved playing games and spending time together. Among the family’s favorites were charades, various card games, and Mexican Train Dominoes. One particular favorite was a card game called "Demon” a tradition the family passionately continues to this

Joyce graduated from Palatine High School and started a job in the big city at just 18. There, by the office coffee machine at Prudential, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Reeves. Sparks flew, and their love story began. They married in July of 1954, settled in the northwest suburbs, and quickly started a family. They welcomed their first child, Scott, when Joyce was 20, followed by Cindie at 21, and Kathy at 25. While life as a young wife and mother was busy, family was the absolute center of Joyce's world.

Though Bob spearheaded their many moves, with chapters in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, Atlanta, Island Lake, and finally Loves Park. Joyce embraced every new beginning. With each relocation, she turned new friends into family. Together, Joyce and Bob shared 67 beautiful years of marriage.

Despite their final move being the furthest from the large family she so cherished, Loves Park became a place where Joyce truly thrived. She immersed herself in the neighborhood social life and the Methodist Church, finding her community among the ladies of the church’s quilting group. It was there that she shared her creative talents and gave back to the community through the quilts they stitched together. It was a deeply special time for Joyce, and she and Bob truly loved their 20+ years together there.

Joyce was a gracious, sentimental, and fiercely optimistic woman whose life was rooted in her strong Christian faith. She was a beautifully unique grandmother, a lovely whistler who collected hearts and angels, an enthusiastic reader, a crafter, a sharp dresser, and impressively tech-savvy. Driven by an endless curiosity, she constantly asked questions —Why? What? When? If? How?—regardless of where you were or what you were doing. She moved through life fast, always eager to try a new recipe or lend a helping hand. Though she couldn't stand melon, Joyce wholeheartedly loved avocados, flavored coffee, and most importantly, her family. To know Joyce was to be loved by her, because once you were her friend, you were a friend for life.

Joyce shared a lifelong passion for travel with her beloved Bob by her side. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, from road trips to North Carolina and Bob's hometown of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, to sun-drenched beach vacations in Ixtapa, Maui, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach. Beyond her travels with Bob, Joyce deeply treasured getaways with her lifelong girlfriends, often planned during their husbands' fishing trips or annual trips with her three sisters. Despite living in different states, the four sisters shared an enduring, unbreakable bond filled with laughter and a unique ability to connect with everyone they met. Ever adventurous, one of Joyce's proudest milestones was successfully hiking into Havasupai Canyon surrounded by a large group of family at the age of 61.

Joyce began her working life at Jewel-Osco, but her true career blossomed in banking. Throughout her long and dedicated service, she became a highly respected loan officer, deeply valued for the kindness and compassion she showed every customer. Later in life, Joyce transitioned to Unocal. It began as a temporary role in her late 40s but she ended up staying there until her retirement at age 64.

Her greatest joy was watching her family grow. She loved her husband unconditionally and was immensely proud of her three children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She eagerly looked forward to her granddaughter’s upcoming wedding and to welcoming her seventh great-grandchild next year. She truly lived for her family and friends, treasuring every single moment spent together.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cindie McNeil and Kathy (Mike) Delahunty; her daughter-in-law, Nedra Reeves; her grandchildren, Nick, Megan (Brian), Kate (Doug), Kevin (Patricia), Emma (fiancé Nathan), and Anne (Michael); her great-grandchildren, Elise, Liam, Nora, Marie, Ian, and Isaac; and her sisters, Jean Powell (the late Larry) and Janet Buchert (Cy).

She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Bob; her son, Scott; her son-in-law, Bruce; and her siblings, Jim, Ken, Jerry, Judy, and Bill.

Joyce will be remembered as a rare and special soul who loved intensely, encouraged constantly, and brought an irreplaceable warmth and positivity to everyone she touched. She leaves behind a beautiful lifetime of memories that her family will carry forward forever.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 am until a service at 11:30 am at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL.