Joy Joann Means, 81

Graveside services for Joy Joann Means, 81, of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Graceland Cemetery. The Reverand Clayton Balsley will officiate. Following the service, the family will gather at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Joann died Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at her home.

Joy Joann Means was born Aug. 14, 1929, to Walter and Gladys (Lundstrum) Berntson in Albert Lea. She grew up in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School where she was active in choir. While in school, Joann participated in a statewide singing competition where she took first place. She was also active in YRL. On Oct. 26, 1947, Joann married Harry Ruble. Together they owned and operated Hillcrest Gardens. The couple had five children. Joann and Harry were founding members of Crossroad Campers Club. On Oct. 16, 1970, Harry passed away. Joann worked in payroll at Wilson & Co. for more than 30 years. On Dec. 7, 1979, she married Robert Means and the couple enjoyed spending many winters in Texas. Joann was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was active in the choir, church BYF and circles. She had also served on the board at United Employee’s Credit Union. Joann enjoyed playing piano, card games, sewing, crafts and camping.

Survivors include her children, Cynthia Schmidt of Albert Lea, Julie Kramer of Albert Lea, Tim (Celeste) Ruble of Austin, Sara Ruble of Woodbury and Harry (Renee) Ruble of Albert Lea; grandchildren, Jennifer (Vic) Jordan, Melissa (Martin) Fender, Brad Kramer, Emily (Brian) Halvorson, Andy (Brooke) Halvorson, Daniel Ruble, Charles

Ruble, Kelsey Zent and Christopher Byron; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Wallace (Maxine) Berntson of Manitou Springs, CO; and many other family members and friends.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents; and husbands, Harry and Robert.