B. Joyce Stear

Oct. 5, 1925-Dec. 17, 2010

CAMBRIDGE, Nebraska -- B. Joyce Stear, 85, died Friday (Dec. 17, 2010), at the Tri Valley Health System Long Term Care Facility.

She was born Oct. 5, 1925, in Otis, Colorado to Harold Gideon and Grace Inez (Clark) Rorabaugh. She graduated from Lone Star High School in Colorado, then went on to study at Colorado State College of Agriculture in Fort Collins, now Colorado State University. She was granted an emergency teaching certificate to teach at Lone Star School. After marrying, she worked as a teller in a bank.

On June 20, 1948 she married Robert Stear. He preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 2009. The couple made their home in Holbrook 1956 -68, Curtis 1968 -72 and Lincoln, Nebraska 1972 -90 before moving back to Cambridge upon "semi" retirement. She was responsible for the bookkeeping and the managing of Dr. Stear's veterinarian clinics.

She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of McCook. She taught Sunday school, director of youth ministries, special needs classes, serving in many other offices and functions of the churches. She made mission trips to Mexico, Bolivia and to Alaska and hosted many students from around the world. She was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, D.A.R., P.E.O. International, Rotary International, Nebraska past president Veterinary Auxiliary; and Monday Musicale.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dr. Robert Stear, DVM; a son, Paul; grandson, Joshua Fuenning; two brothers, Jim and Gerald Rorabaugh; and a sister, Jean O'Brien.

Survivors include three daughters, Barb and husband, Lee Sayer of Stapleton, Nebraska, Pat Stear of Lincoln, Nebraska and Kathryn and husband, Robert Fitzgerald of Kearney, Nebraska; two sons, David Stear of Millville, New Jersey and Michael and wife, Jackie of Bellingham, Washington; 17 grand children; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 2 p.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in McCook, Nebraska with the Rev. Bruce Lester officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge at 4 p.m.

Visitation is today until 7 p.m.

Friends may leave online condolences at lockenour.com.

Memorials may be made to the Gideon Bible Society.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.