JOYCE ELIZABETH BECK, age 72, of Portage, passed away Monday, August 13, 2012 . She was born in Gary, Indiana on January 3, 1940 to Benjamin and Virginia Ward, who preceded her in death. Joyce was a lifetime area resident and had worked at Brownies and Blue Bird Inn in Valparaiso. As a young woman she was very involved with 4H and more recently she enjoyed bingo, crafts and playing cards. She was a member of the Liberty Bible Church in Chesterton.
Joyce is survived by her son, Raymond Dunigan; brother, James Thomas (Marlene) Ward; nephew, Wayne (Rhonda) Ward; many other nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her brother, Ronald Ward.
A funeral service for Joyce will be Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Pastor Cort Bucher officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation for Joyce will be Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, (219) 762-3013.