Joyce Lavern (Baker) Ruhl, age 81, of Dixon, was born on July 31, 1941, in Maries County, Missouri, a daughter of Carless William and Maude Grace (Alexander) Baker and departed this life at 4:40 a.m., Sunday morning, March 5, 2023 in the Phelps Health, Rolla.

Joyce was united in marriage on May 28, 1960, at Dixon, to Mr. Lloyd Vernon Ruhl and to this union, two children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 7, 2018; her father in 1981; her mother in 1975; three brothers, Wilburn Baker in 1978; Wayman Baker in 1989 and Dorman Baker in 2004; and five sisters, Pauline Campbell in 2007; Lorene Irvin in 2009; Fern Veasman in 2022; Lola Kelley in 2013 and Ruth Darlene Watson in 1985.

Joyce was baptized in December 1978 while attending the Burnett Church near Dixon. She had worked for Brown Shoe Company, Clark's Drug Store, Dixon Schools and then she retired from Country Mart due to her failing health. Joyce was also a licensed Beautician from a young age until she passed.  She kept all her family and friends in haircuts, perms, dyes and other cosmetology services until a stroke in 2006 impaired her dominant hand and she could no longer feel in that hand. Joyce kept her family supplied with professional hair care products as needed. Joyce was generous in giving.  She donated to many foundations including Boys Town, Disabled Veterans of America, St. Jude Children's Hospital, American Cancer Society and more.  Joyce enjoyed shopping at Wal-Mart, going back roading, flower gardening, sewing and being with her family especially her grandchildren.

Those left to mourn the passing of Joyce include: her children, Randall "Randy" and Elsie Ruhl, Dixon and Sheila Ruhl, Vienna; her sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Jake Warren, Dixon; her grandchildren, Crystal Forthman and her husband, Rob; Trinity Edwards and her husband, Aaron and Summer Husereau, her husband Tim and family; five great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rob and Jude Willhoff; numerous nephews and nieces and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2023 and from 1 – 2 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023 with her funeral service at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023 all in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon.

Interment will be in the Seaton Cemetery near Dixon under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.