Joyce L. Beard , age 90, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021. She was born April 15, 1931 in Wards Grove Township to the late Henry and Aritha (Thomasson) Ascher at the home of H.L. and S.J Thomasson. Joyce married Mason Beard on July 26, 1949 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton, IL.

Joyce attended 2 years of school at Yankee Hollow in Jo Daviess County, than attended Spring Valley County School in Carroll County and graduated from Shannon High School in 1949. Joyce worked as an aide at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport during the summer of 48 & 49. Joyce was a Cub Scout Den Mother for 10 years and a Cadet Girl Scout Leader for 5 years. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse at Highland in 1974. She had worked at the Lena Nursing Home for 4 years, Morgan Memorial Home in Stockton for 9 years and St. Claire Hospital until 1993 having retired after 20 years. Joyce became involved with Hospice of Northwest Illinois in 1984, serving as a nurse instructor and many other capacities, including President of the Board. Joyce was a 50 plus year member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 449, having served as unit 13 district and 2 ^nd division President. She was also a member of eight & forty serving as Chapeau and Eureka Home Extension Unit. Joyce was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for over 55 years, serving on the Administration Board, Membership Committee, Nominating Committee, President of United Methodist Women, Sunday School Teacher and Bible School Teacher.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 72 years, Mason Beard of Monroe, WI, formerly of Stockton, IL; her three daughters, Shannon (John) Taylor of Guffey, CO, Sherril (Russ) Reusch of Sabula, IA, and Sharon (Brian Johnson) Reid of Madison, WI; her two sons, Bradley (Nancy) Beard of Rockford, IL and Bryan (Laura) Beard of Menasha, WI; her grandchildren, Jody (Darrell) DeBoer, James Hale, Julie McKee, Justin (Ashley) Beard, Andrea (Ryan) Paget, Zachary (Elizabeth) Reusch, Olivia Reusch, Isaac Reusch, Robert (Lisa) Reid, Michelle (Scott) Reid, Heather Reid, Hiel Mason Reid, Ana Beard and MasonJohn Beard; her great grandchildren, Crystal, Cody, Corbin, Miranda, Adam, Bridgette, Scotty, Lindsey, Ruben, Jasmine, Matthew, Kyle, Remington, Reeves, Rozyn, Elijah, Ezra, Ezekiel, Gabriella, Giovonna, Jimmy, Parker, Sidney, William, Adam, Cameron, Alexis and Hailey; her two great great grandchildren, Noah and Stefanie; her several step grandchildren and great grandchildren; her granddaughter-in-law, Tara Hale; and her brother, Jonathan (Judi) Ascher of Mineral Point, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; an infant granddaughter; and a grandson, Jason Hale.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established.