Joy Means, 81, Albert Lea

Published 3:01 pm Saturday, April 9, 2011

Graveside services for Joy Joann Means, age 81, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Graceland Cemetery. The Rev. 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 on 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 state-wide singing competition where she took first place. She was also active in YRL. On Oct. 26, 1947, Joann was united in marriage to 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 church 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.

Email newsletter signup

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, Colo.; and many other family members and friends.

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