Joyce A. Cranford

Joyce Arleen (Washburn) Cranford, of Carlyle, passed away at the age of 83, on Monday, May 5, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Carlyle, surrounded by her family. She was born October 30, 1941, in Breese, Illinois, the daughter of Herbert and Alta (Corson) Washburn. Ms. Cranford attended Carlyle Grade School and Carlyle High School and graduated in 1960. Joyce and Robert Dean “Bob” Cranford were united in marriage on January 19, 1963, at the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle.

Joyce is survived by two daughters Linda (Luke) Masulla of Carlyle, and Rebecca “Becky” (Tim) Thacker of Boulder; Also surviving are her sisters; Elsie (Louis) Seger, Judith Scheffel, Edith (David) Huene all of Carlyle, and Doris Mueller of Beckemeyer; brothers: Willard (Sue) Washburn of Centralia, and Robert Washburn of Carlyle; sister-in-law: Sharon Wright of Carlyle; grandchildren: Brett (Kristina) Thomas, Caleb Lyons and fiancé Sandra Oliver, Megan Lyons, Mickail Cranford, Jonathan (Colette) Ritter, Nathan (Erica) Ritter and Britni Ritter all of Missouri; great-grandchildren: Tyler, Hailey, Wyatt & Hunter Thomas, Cayden, Colton, and Chezni Lyons, Summer Lyons, Jayden and Jaxson Kueper, Ashlynn and Brayden Ritter, Mailee Hodges, and Jailynn and Kohen Ritter; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ms. Cranford was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob on March 3, 2005, sisters: Opal and Betty Kunkel, brother, Wilson Washburn; in-laws: Charles and Farriel Cranford, Aloys Kunkel, Cheri Washburn; niece, Barbara Gebke, nephew, Brad Mueller; and great grandson, Cole Lyons.

Joyce lived most of her life in the Carlyle and Boulder area. Over the years, she has been in 4-H and has been a 4-H leader. Joyce dedicated many years to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, where she excelled as a secretary and a certified nursing assistant at Villa Catherine Assisted Living. Her compassion and dedication extended beyond her job titles, as she truly embodied the spirit of caregiving. Joyce was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, attending services in Shattuc, Huey, and Carlyle, as well as participating in the Clinton County Historical Society. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and relationships.

Joyce's family was her greatest treasure as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She expressed her love through the many photographs she captured, celebrating the moments shared with those she held dear. Her passions included playing piano, singing her favorite songs, reading, and caring for her beloved pets, all of which enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle. The burial will take place at a later date at the Cranford Family Cemetery in Boulder.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Saturday at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle.

Memorials made in Joyce's memory are suggested to the Cranford family and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.