Joye J. Eilert

Joye Justine Eilert was born on December 29, 1929 in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of William and Blossie Emmot Holway. She died Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at the Mitchell County Hospital at the age of 83 years, 8 months, and 26 days.
Joye attended Beloit schools, graduating in the Class of 1949. She loved the area and was a life-long resident.
On August 21, 1951, she was united in marriage with Eugene W. Eilert at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. This union was blessed with four children – Darrell, Carl, Frank, and Kristine. They were privileged to spend 55 years together until Gene's death in April, 2007.
Joye enjoyed leading the arthritic aerobic classes at the NCK Wellness Center for years. She also loved her flower garden and was an avid reader. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post #6242 and the Al-Anon Chapter.
She loved her family dearly, and always felt there was more room in her home for another child. She also enjoyed visiting with family and friends, even in her last days. Joye always had a positive outlook on life and she left this world with a big smile on her face.
In addition to her husband, Gene, she was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Roy, Dennis, and Dick.
Joye is survived by her three sons, Darrell of Barnard, Carl and wife Ardyce of Beloit, and Frank of Simpson; one daughter, Kristine Shumway and husband Charles of Omaha; sisters-in-law, JoAnne Holway of Beloit, Lola Holway of Casa Grande, Arizona, Ceal Streit and husband Phil of Tipton, and Rita Manns of Osborne; two grandsons, Craig Pickel and Don Pickel, Jr.; a very special neighbor and friend, Gene Eck; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Saturday, September 28 at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 7 PM Friday at the McDonald Funeral Home & a celebration service will take place at 7:30 at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Library Foundation, the Perdue House, or St. John's Memorial Trust Fund.