Joy Joann Means

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.  Rev. Clayton Balsley will officiate.  Following the service, the family will gather at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.  

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

Joy Joann Means was born on August 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 October 26, 1947 Joann was united in marriage to Harry Ruble.  Together they owned and operated Hillcrest Gardens.  The couple had 5 children.  Joann and Harry were founding members of Crossroad Campers Club.  On October 16, 1970 Harry passed away.  Joann worked in payroll at Wilson & Co. for over 30 years.  On December 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.

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; 8 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.