Carol Joyce Schoeneman Lawton, 92

Carol Joyce Schoeneman Lawton

1933 – 2025

IOWA FALLS -- Carol Joyce Schoeneman Lawton, 92, of Iowa Falls passed away Friday, May 23, 2025 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. 

Visitation will be from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with a graveside service and burial to follow at Northlawn Memory Gardens in Iowa Falls. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.
Joyce was born to Albert and Katy Schoeneman on January 20, 1933 in Kesley. She attended Pleasant Valley No. 9 country school, Aplington and Iowa Falls schools graduating from Iowa Falls High School in 1951. After high school she attended Central College in Pella. Later, she continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science in Education diploma from Drake University in 1972.
Joyce was united in marriage to Donald H. Lawton at her parent’s home near Iowa Falls in 1954. They lived and farmed west of Iowa Falls, later moving to town. She taught elementary school for many years in Popejoy, Williams and Iowa Falls, retiring from Iowa Falls Public School. After retiring she continued her gift of teaching as a volunteer.
Joyce was an active member of the Iowa Falls First United Methodist Church. She had a strong faith and enjoyed attending Sunday School, Bible Study, and volunteering. She also was a member of Friends of Calkins Campus, United Women of Iowa Falls, and American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with friends and family.
Surviving Joyce are her children Jan (Jim) Riker, Jill (Jeff) Cretsinger; four grandchildren, Zebulin Riker, Janelle Williams, John Cretsinger, Rachel McKenna; 12 great grandchildren, a niece and five nephews.

Preceding in Joyce’s death was her husband, Don in 2012; her parents; two sisters, Marcia DeVries and Lynda Willms; brothers and sisters-in-laws; a nephew and niece; and a great grandson.