Joyce K. Ross

Joyce Kathryn Ross was born on November 1, 1927 to Perry and Clara Harmon Kuhn in Stanley, WI. She attended grades 1-8 in Stanley, WI and graduated from Stanley High School. Joyce attended the University of Minnesota earning her degree in Home Economics and Child Development. On October 16, 1948 she was united in marriage to Lowell Ross in St. Paul, MN. The couple moved to Albert Lea in 1949. Joyce worked as a teacher at United Preschool for 9 years. She then went on to be the Director of the Albert Lea Child Care Center for 17 years. While there, the enrollment expanded from 20 students to 300. She was instrumental in expanding the program to the St. John's location and many other improvements. She served on St. John's Board of Directors. Joyce was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church, Albert Lea Art Center, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, the Overall Advisory Board of the U of M Waseca Campus and Human Services Advisory Board at Austin Community College. Joyce had a special interest in early childhood education and enjoyed serving on the state, regional and local boards of the Association for Education of Young Children. She had a strong commitment to helping young children have a positive start to meeting their full potential as adults. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family deeply. The memories she leaves with them will be treasured forever. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Lowell; children, Kurt Becky Ross, Susan Ross VanRuth, Cindy Jeff Lundgren, Mary Ross Griff Nordling, Kent Teri Ross and Chet Ross; grandchildren, Chris Cindy Ross, Michael Stacey Ross, Laura Uriah Norris, Stephanie Ross, Freya Justin Skinner, Haidee VanRuth, Amber Kent McGuire, Anna Nathan Smith, Clara Lundgren, Eva and Samuel Nordling, Paige Jeff Fromm, Eli Holly Ross, Susan, Jeffrey and Justin Ross; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Kuhn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Caswell; and brothers, Howard and Bernard Kuhn. Memorials are preferred to the Albert Lea Community Child Care Center and to benefit the children and youth of Ascension Lutheran.