Services set for Former Eakly Publisher Joyce Carney

Joyce Carney, former publisher of The Country Connection News in Eakly, died February 18, 2025.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 22 at the First Christian Church, 237 E. Main Street, in Hydro, Oklahoma.

Her career began at the Hydro Review in 1965. After attending college, she worked at the Weatherford Daily News where she was later named society editor.

In 1974, Joyce married Rusty Carney. After a couple of years at home, she returned to the Hydro Review as editor, working there until 1981. 

Joyce then started The Country Connection News with a $4,000 loan, some used equipment and a rented house.

She sold the weekly newspaper in 2024.

Joyce was also a director of the Judicial District #6 Child Advocacy Team for 14 years.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Rusty, and three children, Amanda Stockton, Steve Carney and Carrie Sivo.

Joyce was inducted into OPA’s Half Century Club in 2023 and was a great advocate for western Oklahoma small towns. Watch her video.