Joyce Ham

Joyce Ham

Aug. 20, 1928 - Jan.19, 2014

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Rosemary Joyce Ham was born Aug. 20, 1928, in rural Chase County near Enders, Nebraska, to Alva Guy and Helen Cora (Boening) Howard. As a young lady, she attended and graduated from Max High School, Max, Nebraska. Joyce married Arden Emmett Ham on May 2, 1948, in Benkelman, Nebraska, and to this union two sons where born: Eugene and Jay D. The couple settled in Benkelman where they resided for most of their lives. Joyce and Arden were owners and operators of the Benkelman Furniture Store for many years.

Joyce was very active in the community. She was baptized, confirmed and married in the Lutheran Church and served most of her life-long membership as an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. She was also a member of the local Rebekah's Lodge. She enjoyed bowling, cooking, collecting dishes, and she had a great passion for her home.

Joyce passed away Sunday evening, Jan.19, 2014, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska. She was 85 years of age.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, George and Tom; three sisters, Janet Haines, Jean Blecha and Doris Albert; granddaughter, Helen Mayme Ham; and great-grandson, Cameron Brecka.

Survivors include her husband, Arden of Benkelman, Nebraska; sons, Eugene Ham and wife, Candy of Mokpo, South Korea and Jay D. Ham and wife, Karen of Garden City, Kansas; four grandchildren, Seth Shaffer, Casey Jo Sova, Amber Ham, and Quade Ham and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2014, 10:30 a.m. (MT), at Zion Lutheran Church, Benkelman, Nebraska, with Pastor George Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska.

Visitation will be Thursday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2014, from 2-6 p.m. (MT), at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established in Joyce's memory to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.