Joyce went home to be with her Lord Saturday, February 9, 2013.
Joyce Alice (Beaver) Sturn was born January 22, 1936 in Helena, Montana to Gus and Bernice (Warren) Beaver. She was the eldest sister of a large family who had stuck together through thick and thin. Joyce attended Helena schools and graduated from Helena High in 1955. She married Urban Sturn on May 9, 1958, together they had 4 children.
Joyce was devoted to her family and to her Lord Jesus. She was a faithful member of her church and served as the secretary for many years. She was a loving caregiver to many, many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31
Joyce was a member of The Society of Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers and The Daughters of the American Revolution.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Gus A. Beaver and Bernice (Warren) Beaver; her husband, Urban Sturn and sister Diana Gustafson.
She is survived by her children, Cindy (Dick) Silvonen, Joni (Jim) Pancoast, Ron (Carla) Sturn all of Helena and Jennifer (Randy) Beyer of Des Moines, Iowa. Also surviving Joyce are her siblings, Don (Jane) Beaver, Nancy Archer, Shirley Herrin, Phyllis (Dick) Lamping, Larry Beaver, Carol (Dennis) Dean, Glenda (Jerry) Eenhuis, Raymond (Ivy) Beaver, Mary (Bing) Crosby, Judy (Corky) Harris, John Beaver, Clarice St. Clair; her grandchildren, Chris (Jessica), Brad (Carissa), Mike (Brittany), Marcus (Becca), and Jannie Silvonen Travis, Justin, Lindsey and Chelsey Holliday, Jon and Ken Sturn, Dominic, Landan and Logan Beyer; eleven going on thirteen great-grandchildren: Shaina, Tyler, Matt, Ayla, Reece, Gracen, Bailee, Teagan, Ayden, Ellie and Ashton Silvonen; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 14th at Retz Funeral Home. A Memorial Service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be 11 a.m., Friday, February 15th at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road, Helena 59602. Memorials in Joyce’s name are suggested to the Fortress of Joy Church. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory, please visit below.
Jana and Randy Bartels says
You will be missed Aunt Joyce. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. We know you are in Heaven in all your glory and you will look down on all of us who loved you. Rest in Peace.
Heather says
When we move to Helena, I didn’t know anyone. She welcomed our family and was so nice to all of us including me. Ill miss her. She was a blessing from above.
Callie Foster Biesemeyer says
Jen was my first friend when I moved across town and we became inseperable the moment we met. Joyce was like my second mother, feeding me, praising me, and scolding me as if I was her own. As the years moved on and I moved away we lost touch but she was never far from my thoughts, prayers and heart.
Joyce you will be truly missed but I know that you are smiling down on you family from Heaven and that you will keep an ever watchful eye on them as they grow in size and faith. Jesus truly received one of His faithful servants when you walked through the gates. You will remain ever in my heart…thank you for making me a better daughter, friend, and servant to the Lord.
Stacey and Tanya Baertsch says
Cindy, Joni, Ron and Jen, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are here if you need anything at all. We love you!
We will miss you Auntie Joyce!!!
Love, Stacey, Tanya and boys
Keith & Tasha Herrin says
We will miss you so much Aunt Joyce but will always remember you and all the good times! We rejoyce in the fact that you are resting in your Saviors loving arms.
Jen, Ron, Joni & Cindy we are sending lots of love and prayers your way durring this difficult time. Know that we are here for you and love you all.!
Love, Keith, Tasha & kids
Peri Ann Downs McCulloch says
I remember Joyce and Urban with kinds thoughts and good memories. They welcomed my sisters and I into their home at a difficult time in our lives and cared for us like their own. I have tried to pass that along in my own life. It started with her, my lovely cousin who will be very missed. My love and hugs to you all. Peri Ann
Vivian Downs says
I was very Blessed to have met Joyce the first time George brought me to Helena. She was always there to make sure I was ok. After George passed away Joyce started calling me about every month or so just to check on me to make sure I was ok, She always said ” just checking on you and wanted to tell you that I love you”. I am sure going to miss those phone calls. I Love you Joyce you are a Wonderful woman, Love you Cousin Vivian Downs
Jeannie Eickmeyer, Lori Cole & Terry Clark says
My mom Jeannie will truly miss you and your get together’s for each others birthdays. Joyce you are one of the greatest friends anyone could have. My family was blessed to have had you in our lives. Kim will be at the gates of heaven to welcome you.
Cindy, Joni, Ronnie and Jennifer our prayers and love go to each one of you. Your mom is a great lady that has shared so much love and support to my mom, myself and sisters.
The favorite memories I have are Cindy, Joni, Ronnie & Eickmeyer girls singing ‘Jeremiah was a Bullfrog’ for our parents.
Bob, Sandy, Kyndal, Jamison, Jakob and Katie Lamping says
Dear Family~
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Everyone of us in this huge family was BLESSED to have Aunt Joyce in our lives. We find comfort in knowing that she is now with of your Lord and Savior in Heaven watching us from above. Please let us know if you need anything we are here to help you. We love and care about each and everyone of you.
Shellie Blakely says
Joni, Cindy, Ron, and J.J.,
So heart broken to hear of your loss… My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tough time.. (and always) Aunt Joyce was such a great lady she will be missed by all.. It makes me happy to know she is reunited once again with her husband and mother and father.. Auntie I so love u and will soooo miss you..
Love always
Shellie Blakely
Jim, Maureen & Dorothy McEnaney says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joyce was such a gracious lady and will be missed especially by her cousin Dorothy. She and all of her family are in our prayers. We are sorry that we cannot be there in person to offer you comfort in your sorrow. May our Lord be with all of you.
God Bless,
Cousin Jim McEnaney
Sandy Owens says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you May comfort and peace be with all of you at this most difficult time With my deepist Sympathy Love Sandy
Carol Henry says
Aunt Joyce always welcomed me with open arms , a hug and unconditional love. I am so happy she will be with Urban, Grandma and Grandpa Sturn and all that have passed before her. I will always remember the good times we had when my creative Uncle Sturn and when the kids were small. I lost touch with the family but when I did see her it was always a big bear hug and how are you doing. Never once did she say a bad word about anybody. She ordered me and my husband roses when we got married in 1977. She and Urban were trying to start up a nursery business. She was soft spoken, loving and giving. She will always be in my heart. I love you Aunt Joyce. My condolences to her family. I will always remember our happy moments together. Love you Auntie, Carol and Mike
Michael and Karen Susag says
Our condolences to the family. A classmate of Shirley Herrin and friend of John Beaver.
Sally Nyland says
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts go out to all the family at this difficult time. I met Joyce and Urban years ago through my sister. Joyce was one of those people that you just felt so comfortable around. I always enjoyed visiting with her back in the day and feel sad that I hadn’t seen her in years. My deepest sympathy.
Kathy Rowsey says
Your Mom was such a special person. She so carried the peace of God whereever she went. Your loss is Heaven’s gain. I could never say enough about how she touched my life and was there for me whenever I called on her. God Bless you all. Love you!!!