Joyce Bland

Bland, R. Joyce, age 68, of Washington Township, passed away Friday, January 1, 2010, at the Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. She was born in Russellville, Mo., on June 15, 1941, she was the daughter of Herschel and Maxine (Shikles) West. She attended Russellville High School and graduated as Valedictorian from Fulton High School in Fulton, Mo. She earned a B.S. in Education in music from Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo. and did further work at The University of Iowa and Wright State University. She taught music five years in Iowa and five years in Ohio. Before retiring in 2006, she was an Executive Assistant for 17 years at Modern Woodmen of America. Always interested in the arts, she volunteered frequently in several organizations and parent groups in the community. She is survived by her husband, Leland, of Washington Township; one son, Douglas and daughter-in-law, Zhanna of Midland, Mich.; two granddaughters, Phelana and Isabella; two brothers, Keith of Jefferson City, Mo. and Kevin of Omaha, Neb.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday with services at 1 p.m. Thursday January 7, at Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home, 820 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville, Ohio, with Pastor Larry Lane officiating.