Joyce E. Hollar

Joyce Elaine Hollar, 87, of Cambridge, Illinois, formerly of New Windsor, Illinois, died at 3:51 a.m. Monday March 10, 2025 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.

Joyce was born February 5, 1938 in Unadilla, Nebraska the daughter of Dorman Maurice and Naida Birdine (Otley) Robertson. After graduating from high school, Joyce went on to earn her cosmetology degree. Joyce married LeRoy E. Hollar on June 15, 1961 in Prairie Home, Nebraska. Their 54-year marriage brought four daughters, three of whom survive, Morgan L. “Marti” (Tom) Ryan of New Windsor, Illinois, Stephanie A. (Wesley) Graf of Golden, Colorado, and Heidi W. (Craig) Allaman of Monmouth. Their daughter, Tawnia Lynne Hollar preceded her in death on January 10, 1964. LeRoy preceded Joyce in death on July 21, 2015. Joyce is also survived by nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one brother, Dennis Robertson of Eagle, Nebraska; and two sisters, Merna (the late Leonard) Phillips of Lander, Wyoming and Ellen S. “Susie” Robertson of Omaha, Nebraska. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Jane Robertson.

Joyce and LeRoy spent many travels together while LeRoy served in the United States Army. Over the years they’ve lived in Maryland, Georgia, Alvo, Nebraska, and Okinawa, Japan. She worked as a hairdresser until 1978 when the family moved from Firth, Nebraska to New Windsor, Illinois. Joyce spent many of the following years as a stay-at-home mom and wife, traveling with the girls and their horses to numerous horse shows and rodeos with the New Windsor Drill Team. Joyce also worked part time at the flower shop in New Windsor and owned and operated Victoria’s Garden Greenhouse, where she was known for her beautifully grown mums. In 1998 Joyce and LeRoy moved to Cambridge where they spent the rest of their years together. After moving to Cambridge, Joyce became active in the Red Hat Society and the New Windsor American Legion Auxiliary and always maintained a show piece garden at her home. Joyce was an avid researcher of family genealogy, taking many family trips to find her ancestors. Joyce was also an avid collector of many things, ranging from Barbie Dolls to quilts and anything in between.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial with her husband, LeRoy at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer’s Association.