Joyce Ann Knauth, 84, of Milford passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023, at her home. She was born on February 13, 1939, in Watseka, the daughter of Clyde and Pearl Ann (Harrison) Johnson. She married Karl P. Knauth in Watseka on August 13, 1960, and he preceded her in passing on August 6, 2022.
Surviving are two sons, Keith (Marsha) Knauth of Watseka and Kirk (Tana) Knauth of Watseka; five grandchildren, Kyle (Ellen) Knauth of Milford, Kassandra (Jordan) Hurliman of Cissna Park, Kelcy (Ryan) Kunce of Sheldon, Kinsey (Donnie) Mabbitt of Sheldon, and Konnor Knauth of Watseka; five great-grandchildren, Kolton and Knox Knauth, Kenlie and Kamryn Kunce, and Krew Mabbitt, and one great-grandchild on the way.
In addition to her husband, Joyce was preceded in passing by her parents and one sister, Kay Foster.
Joyce went to college at Northwestern to follow in her mom's footsteps and become a registered nurse. Once she graduated from college she worked for many years in Watseka as a registered nurse. When she retired from nursing she devoted as much time as she could to working on the farm with her husband, as well as volunteering for the cancer association. When she wasn’t driving the tractors or volunteering you could find her in the garden or baking the best homemade pies and sweets. She had a passion for sewing and quilting and was always working on a project in her spare time. She also enjoyed going to her Beta Sigma Phi sorority meetings with her sorority sisters. Joyce loved tailgating with her husband and all their friends and family at the Fighting Illini games and attending Big Ten basketball games. Joyce was very proud of her sons and the lifestyles they have created and the traditions they have carried on. She enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, and you could always find one of them in her arms or on her lap.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Burial will follow at Body Cemetery near Woodland. Visitation will be two hours prior to the memorial service on Sunday, from 11:00- 1:00.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.
Please share a memory of Joyce at knappfuneralhomes.com.
