Joyce Ann Roalson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed on June 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa with Rev. Ryan Mattingly, officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Joyce was born on August 3, 1951, in Ottawa, IL, to Ervin and Anna (Dekreon) Fullerton.
Joyce is survived by the love of her life, her husband Larry Roalson. They were married for 56 years.
She is also survived by her daughter Dawn (Joseph) Roalson-Zavada, her son Brent (Shelly) Roalson, and two granddaughters: Hanna (Aaron Buckley) Roalson and Haley Roalson. Joyce was able to spend precious time with her great-grandson, Jay Russell Buckley (son of Hanna and Aaron), before her passing.
Aside from her children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, Joyce is survived by her brothers Gerald (Jan) Fullerton and Ervin (Rita) Fullerton, brother-in-law Rich Anderson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Anna Fullerton, as well as her sister and best friend, Janice Anderson.
Joyce was the heart of her family. She enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners and competitive games of euchre and Monopoly. Family trips to the Wisconsin Dells and Biloxi were incredibly important to her. She also enjoyed trips to the casino. Joyce’s devotion to her family knew no bounds.
Joyce had a career dedicated to providing excellent health services to women. She was the center manager for Planned Parenthood in Ottawa for many years. She was always a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Joyce will be missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, generosity, and love for others made her unforgettable.
Services will be held graveside for the immediate family at a later date. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Ottawa, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to St. Jude.
Joyce was laid to rest in the Garden of The Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.