JOYELLE ‘JOY’ MARIE HESSLER
March 3, 1976–May 1, 2024
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, Joyelle “Joy” Marie (Stafford) Hessler, 48, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away following her fierce battle with cancer. Joy bravely fought her illness with grace and poise, leaving behind an example of faith and positivity, even in the most challenging of times.
Joy was born on March 3, 1976, to parents Galen and Evalyn Stafford in Douglas, Wyoming. She was lovingly welcomed home by her parents and her older sister, Hope. They spent their childhood riding dirt bikes, playing in the mud, dancing, and playing sports as they grew up together in Douglas. Joy graduated from Douglas High School in 1994 and went on to marry Eric Cox. She became a mother in November 1996, and again in October 1999, which was her greatest love and accomplishment.
She spent the majority of her adult life dedicated to being a mother to her two children, Hazen and Tristen. She taught them how to be unapologetically themselves in every aspect of their lives, and was so incredibly proud of the adults they have both grown to be. After continuing her education at Valley State University, she moved her family to Gillette in 2012. Joy served her community at Conestoga Elementary School as a paraeducator. Joy worked with special education and ED students, and loved the challenge. She had so much love and patience for “her kids” and positively impacted many children’s lives in the community.
On Oct. 18, 2014, Joy married Kenneth “Kenny” Hessler, surrounded by their friends and family. Their marriage was spent with much love and laughter, supporting their grandchildren, coaching Little League sports, competing in many races and half marathons together, and cheering on the Nebraska Huskers. Go Big Red!
In 2021, Joy shifted careers to her passion for health and wellness, creating Momentum Nutrition & Fitness Coaching. Her gift of believing in others and their ability to change empowered men and women in Gillette to become the best versions of themselves through movement and healthy eating. Joy created an environment that fostered positivity and inclusivity for each individual that walked through her doors. She loved seeing people succeed and helping each one of them on their way to better health. She leaves behind a positive influence on many lives.
Joy loved her family and friends with her whole heart. She loved peonies, running, laughter, tiny containers and perfect swirls of new butter. She was a wine and coffee connoisseur, a teacher, coach, artist and friend. She was a fighter and never gave up. Ultimately, she lived with joy.
Joy is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth “Kenny” Hessler; children, Hazen (Joseph) Alvis and Tristen (Krissy) Cox; stepchildren, Hannah (Todd) Green and Cara Hessler; her parents, Galen and EvaLyn (Leopold) Stafford; sister, Hope (Burke) McMullin, nieces and nephews, Amanda, Andrew and Abbey Haynes; and grandchildren, Charlotte Alvis, Meagan and Macey Green, and Heidi, Madison and Jordan Groskopf. Joy is also survived by a large extended family and many beloved friends.
Memorial services for Joyelle “Joy” Marie Hessler, 48, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the Camplex Energy Hall in Gillette. Friends and family are invited to join us as we remember Joy, celebrate memories and pay tribute. All are welcome to bring photos or items that remind you of her to display on the tables and share with all in attendance.
To honor Joy and her legacy, donations may be made to the gofundme: Joy’s Battle. Cards and condolences may be sent to 7011 Daredevil Ave. Gillette WY, 82716.
