Remembering Joyce Steinbuch, the woman behind Enchanted Frog Antiques (1947–2026)
November 2026
Remembering Joyce Steinbuch, the woman behind Enchanted Frog Antiques (1947–2026)
For more than three decades, Joyce C. Steinbuch helped build Enchanted Frog Antiques into a destination for collectors, dealers and antique enthusiasts throughout the Kansas City region and beyond. But for Joyce, the business was always about more than antiques. It was about people, history, community and the stories that connected them. Joyce passed away Sept. 5, 2026, at the age of 79.
The beginnings of the Frog
Enchanted Frog Antiques opened in August 1996 in downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
Joyce, her husband Phillip “Phil” Steinbuch and her mother Laveigh worked together to renovate a building near the historic Hall of Waters and Elms Hotel, creating an antique store that would become an important part of their lives.
From the beginning, Joyce saw the store as part of something larger.
She and Laveigh worked with other downtown merchants on efforts to strengthen and revitalize the community, recognizing that a successful antique destination depended not only on individual businesses but on the appeal of the area.
As the Frog grew, its origi nal location could no longer accommodate the business. The family relocated Enchanted Frog to Lathrop, Missouri, where a former gas station near Interstate 35 was renovated and expanded into a much larger antique destination. The new location gave Joyce room to pursue an increasingly ambitious vision.
A passion for marketing
Joyce understood antiques and appreciated the history and character behind them.
But one of her greatest professional passions was marketing. She loved the challenge of building a recognizable brand and attracting people who might never have considered visiting an antique store. Billboards, advertisements, promotions, community partnerships and articles were all opportunities to tell the Frog’s story.
Joyce was a regular contributor to Discover Vintage America, sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm, and personality with readers. She believed that successful marketing could help an entire community of antique dealers, not simply one business. Her efforts helped establish Enchanted Frog as a familiar destination for collectors and travelers throughout the region.
The Frog Family
Perhaps Joyce’s most lasting achievement was the community that developed around the store.
Over the years, the dealers, employees, booth renters, customers and longtime friends of Enchanted Frog became affectionately known as the Frog Family. It was a name that reflected the relationships Joyce valued. She enjoyed the personalities, conversations, discoveries and occasional challenges that came with bringing so many people together.
Anyone who spent time with Joyce knew she was intelligent, creative, independent, and full of ideas. She loved a good story and was rarely without an opinion about what might make the business better. Even as her health declined, Joyce remained interested in the store and proud of the people who helped make it successful. She continued as its owner until her passing.
Joyce and Phil Steinbuch, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. (Image courtesy of the family)
A life beyond antiques
Joyce’s interests extended well beyond the antiques business. She was a lifelong learner who earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Kansas and taught gifted children for a time. She loved travel, genealogy, dance, art, and exploring new places. With Phil, she searched for antiques throughout the country, explored the woods hunting mushrooms and herbs, and traveled extensively. The couple even spent time living out of their truck while exploring Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Joyce also had a playful sense of humor and a fondness for unusual things. Frogs, naturally, were everywhere in her life. And at her home near Lathrop, a free-ranging peacock named Roameo became a longtime resident, often greeting visitors from the roof or nearby trees.
Above all, Joyce loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who enjoyed bringing people together around a table.
An enduring legacy
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Phil and her mother Laveigh, both of whom played important roles in the history of Enchanted Frog. She is survived by her sons Scott and Ian, stepdaughter Tara, sister Heather, grandchildren and extended family.
Her family extends its sincere appreciation to the dealers, employees, customers, and friends who helped make Enchanted Frog such an important part of Joyce’s life. Joyce spent much of her life collecting antiques, but what she truly gathered were people, stories, and friendships. That collection will endure.
Joyce C. Steinbuch will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the antiques community she helped build.
- Submitted by Joyce's son, Scott Cameron
