JOY BETH VAN METER BUCHOK

Joy Beth (Van Meter) Buchok was born on September 17, 1951, in Quincy, Illinois, to J.W. and Maxine (Holbert) Van Meter and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 11, 2026 at Lubbock, Texas.
Joy lived a life defined by unwavering faith, unconditional love, kindness, and service to others. She was known for her warm smile, gentle spirit, and remarkable ability to make everyone she met feel welcome. She never met a stranger, and her compassion left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joy devoted many years of her life to education as a school teacher. Teaching was more than a profession—it was her calling. She genuinely loved her students and believed every child deserved encouragement, patience, and someone who believed in them. She celebrated their successes, guided them through challenges, and found great joy in watching them grow. The influence she had on generations of students extended far beyond the classroom and continues to live on in the countless lives she touched.
While working as a technician at the Cancer Research Center in Columbia, Missouri, Joy met Stephen Joseph Buchok in 1981. They were married on March 20, 1982, in Columbia, Missouri, and shared a devoted marriage of thirty-four years until Stephen’s passing in 2016. Their marriage was built on a shared faith in Christ, mutual love, and steadfast commitment to one another. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, hospitality, and unwavering support for their family.
Joy’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her sons, celebrating every accomplishment, offering unwavering support through every challenge, and loving her boys with all her heart. One of Joy’s greatest blessings was becoming “Mema.” Her grandchildren, Emily, William, Oakley, and Liam, were the light of her life. Whether she was cheering them on at activities, sharing stories, giving warm hugs, or simply spending time together, she made each grandchild feel deeply loved and uniquely special. Her love and influence will remain with them throughout their lives.
Joy’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She faithfully served the Lord through her church and was an active member of Second Baptist Church. She taught Bible classes, served as a deacon, and attended as many church gatherings and activities as she could. She trusted God through every season of life, celebrating His blessings and leaning on Him through life’s trials with grace, hope, and quiet strength. She faithfully encouraged others, remembered birthdays and life’s milestones, offered a listening ear without judgment, and always found ways to lift those around her up. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and acceptance where family and friends always knew they were welcome.
Joy also enjoyed sewing and quilting, expressing her creativity through handmade gifts that became treasured keepsakes for those she loved. Whether caring for her family, serving her church, teaching her students, or creating something beautiful with her hands, Joy poured love into everything she did.
Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Stephen Joseph Buchok; her parents, J.W. and Maxine Van Meter; her brother, Kevin Van Meter; and her sister, Bonnie Jansen.
She is survived by her sons, Aaron Joseph (Katie) Buchok of St. Peters, Missouri, and Andrew Stephen (Callie) Buchok of Lubbock, Texas; her beloved grandchildren, Emily, William, Oakley, and Liam; her sister, Karen Lake of Sedalia, Missouri; her brothers, Kent Van Meter of Alliance, Nebraska, and Allen Van Meter of Sedalia, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed by her kindness and generosity.
While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the assurance that Joy is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, reunited with Stephen and those who have gone before her, and free from pain. Her life was a beautiful testimony of God’s love and faithfulness, and her legacy lives on through the countless lives she influenced as a wife, mother, Mema, sister, teacher, aunt, faithful friend, and servant of Christ.
Though we will miss her every day, we rejoice in the promise that this is not goodbye, but simply, “Until we meet again.”
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Lewistown, Missouri with Rev. Tony Stottlemyre officiating. Burial will be in the Lewistown Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 18 from 12 noon until the time of services at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Lewistown.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lewistown.