Joyce was born on December 26, 1939, in Sterling, the daughter of Leslie and Marguerite (Jaeger) Wiker. She married Edward “Rudy” Barajas on January 3, 1958, in Dixon. He preceded her in death on July 17, 2020. Joyce worked as an educator with Sterling CU District 5 Schools for many years, where she encouraged a creative learning environment. She was a voracious reader, an excellent needlewoman and seamstress, a dogmatic genealogist, and an avid garage saler.
Survivors include one daughter, Elizabeth (Gordon) Waltemade, of NC; one son, Timothy Barajas, of TX; three grandchildren, Kirstin (Jason) St. Aubin, Jennifer Waltemade (Tyler Phares), all of NC, and Dr. Brennon Barajas, MD, of TX; six great grandchildren, Aiden, Grayson, Aaron, Cole, Sofia, and Everett; and her extended Barajas family.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, Sharon Levis, and one brother, Stanley Wiker.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 13, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am, with Reverend Carlos Monsalve officiating. Private burial will conclude at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock River Hospice and Home. Joyce’s family would like to thank Taylor, Kym, and Lennon for their extraordinary care.
