Joyce Ann Rubush Keown

1937 - 2024

Joyce Ann Rubush Keown was born on January 11, 1937, in Tipton, Indiana, to Lester and Opal Rubush. Her parents, who were active members of the Tipton community, preceded her in death in 1961 and 1974, respectively.

On January 14, 1956, Joyce married Fred Edward Keown, Jr., son of Fred and Mae Keown of Windfall, Indiana, in a ceremony held at Tipton First Presbyterian Church. Together, they built a loving home and celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Joyce was a descendant of George and Margaret Rubush, who were among the earliest settlers in Tipton County, arriving in 1869. Her roots trace back even further to four brothers who emigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania in 1732.

Joyce passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, at Wesleyan Health and Rehabilitation Center in Marion, Indiana, with her daughter, Lisa, by her side.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Fred, who passed away just 19 hours earlier on November 28, 2024, and by her brother, Lester Rubush, Jr., of Elwood, who passed in 1999.

Joyce is survived by her children: Karen Keown of Folsom, California; David Keown and his wife, Terry, of Georgetown, Kentucky; Jeffery Keown of Los Angeles, California; and Lisa Brookshire and her husband, Lee, of Converse, Indiana. She was the cherished grandmother of five grandchildren: Samantha Keown Raymer and her husband, Nathan; Alicia Keown of Georgetown, Kentucky; Willis Brookshire and his wife, Abbie, of Amboy, Indiana; Miranda Brookshire of Converse, Indiana; and Sydney Brookshire Keifer and her husband, Hayden, of Cedar Springs, Michigan. Joyce was also a proud great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren: Jackson Raymer, Weston and Hudson Brookshire, and Grayson Keifer.

While Joyce's primary role in life was that of a dedicated homemaker, she later worked part-time as a teacher's aide at Swayzee Elementary, where she supported children with mental disabilities, bringing care and compassion to her work.

Joyce will be remembered for her deep love of family, her strong sense of community, and her unwavering kindness to all who knew her.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Converse Church of Christ, 301 E. Wabash St., Converse, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Joyce's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Thrailkill Cemetery, just north of Swayzee.

Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.