Joyce Grout

Joyce Ann (Riter) Grout, 88, passed peacefully on November 24, 2025 in Rhode Island with family by her side. Joyce was born on November 21, 1937 to Laura (Redden) and Laurence Riter in Keokuk, IA, the youngest of six children - Wilma (James) O'Daniel, Maxine (Glenn) Loring, Marjorie Pitt Munson, Velma (James) Rossi, and Laurence "Sonny" Riter, all of whom predeceased her.

In 1956, Joyce married John Stephen Grout of Hamilton, IL, her husband of 65 years who passed in 2021. They had two children, Vicky (Bob) Hathaway and Eric (Deena) Grout, two grandchildren, Kyle (Kelly) Hathaway and Lann (Victoria) Hathaway, and their great-grandchild, Orion Hathaway. She was predeceased by two infant sons. Joyce and Steve served as grandparents to many children who either had none of their own or who needed a bonus grandma or nana. The treasures in her life were those who called her Mom, Grandma, and Nana. She had two special women who were like daughters to her, Kathy Sumpter of Santa Fe, NM, and Patti (Dan) Young of RI.

Joyce moved numerous times in her life with Steve's education and career, from college days in Denton, TX and Ames, IA to Steve's first job with General Electric in Decatur, IL where their children were born, and they met other young families who became lifelong friends. They moved to Phoenix, AZ in the late 60s and then to Littleton, CO to be closer to their grandchildren. Afterward, they moved to Austin, TX where they learned to line dance and loved it so much that they taught others to join them. Next came Mount Pleasant, SC followed by Durham, NC. Finally, they retired to Spring Hill, FL where they were active in The Eagles and were able to enjoy some years of travelling and cruises. After Steve's passing, her family urged her to head north to Rhode Island to be closer to family. While living in a retirement home, she met her dear friend Ralph Fox with whom she shared building gossip and countless games of cribbage.

Joyce was an incredibly talented sewist, dressmaker, and educator whose creative efforts brought joy to many. She worked for Bernina, where she taught sewing, smocking, and French hand sewing to all groups and abilities. She sewed for family and friends, including elaborate Halloween costumes, beautiful smocked nightgowns and children's dresses, christening gowns, and bridal accessories. She had a passion for Projects of Love charitable projects, including dignity dresses for women who used wheelchairs, lap quilts, tote bags for children in foster care and shelters, and clothing for those receiving cancer treatment. The project closest to her heart were Wee Care gowns to allow parents of stillborn infants to hold their babies while dressed in something soft and beautiful.

Joyce was a cherished mother, grandmother, nana, aunt, and friend. To honor her wishes, she was cremated and there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a fund through Go Fund Me called Joyce's Joy (https://gofund.me/66bf7651b). This will support sewing camp scholarships to inspire young sewists to grow in their art and carry on her legacy of generosity and compassion.