Margaret Joyce

Margaret Ruth Joyce, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, June 2, 2023, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born Aug. 22, 1941, in St. Mary, Missouri, to Ed Zelbert and Lena Mabel Worley. She and Bill Joyce were married in 1985 at Trinity Baptist Church in St. Mary.

She was a member of Southside Baptist Church.

Ruth always looked at the good side of people. There was no one kinder or sweeter, smiling all the time. She was always optimistic and absolutely loved her family and grandchildren dearly. She always told others, "Bless your heart."

Survivors include three daughters, Kathy (Leslie) Moll of St. Mary, Charlotte McClard of Cape Girardeau and Linda (Tim) Lott of Marshfield, Missouri; four stepsons, Larry (Jessica) Joyce of Marshfield, Michael (Teresa) Joyce of Strafford, Missouri, Thomas (Cristy) Joyce and Phillip Joyce; daughter-in-law, Jackie Pender; four grandchildren, Jeremiah Moll, Rheanna Moll, Carrie (Andrew) McClard Palmer and Cody McClard; two brothers, Bob (Gerry) Worley and Tom (Danielle) Worley; sister, Delores (Paul) Lohmann; 11 stepgrandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-stepgrandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; two brothers; husband, Bill Joyce; and son, Jesse Pender.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

For and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.