Rita Elizabeth Joyce, nee Bauer, 102, of Belleville, IL, born May 7, 1924, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, August 21, 2026, at Gillespie Health & Rehab, Gillespie, IL.
Rita was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, where she was very involved in parish activities. Rita also served as a volunteer for the Belleville Diocesan Ministry to the Sick & Aged and was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Hugh “Clem” Joyce, whom she married on June 11, 1946, and who died on December 16, 2011; a son, Richard “Dick” Joyce; her parents, Phillip and Rose, nee Dressel, Bauer; and three brothers and four sisters, Raymond Bauer, Leonard Bauer, Rose Pope, Leona Bailey, Martha Hallbauer, Edward Bauer, Sally Goetter, and their spouses.
She is survived by three sons and a daughter, Steve (Barb) Joyce, Jack (Vicki) Joyce, Susan (Dennis) Koesterer, and Bob (Michelle) Joyce; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catholic War Veterans. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Deacon Doug Boyer officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
