Joyce J. Wells

Joyce Joan Wells (Beford), age 94 of Kaukauna, WI walked into the waiting arms of Jesus on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 with family by her side. She was a resident of Care Partners Assisted Living. Joyce was born on June 24, 1932 to Ralph and Margaret Beford in their family home in Appleton.

Joyce graduated from Appleton West High School with the class of 1950. After high school, she became employed by Zwicker's Knitting Mill, where she worked until she married the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, Dick Wells in 1952.

Joyce enrolled in dance class when she was seven, which became a central part of her life. She quickly showed her talent and by the time she started high school, she became an assistant instructor and was even on a televised dance competition in Milwaukee. Joyce put down her dancing shoes and devoted her time to raising her three boys, but never lost her love for the craft.

In 1966 Joyce and her family moved to Marengo, IL where her husband became employed by Playskool Mfg. After her two oldest children were in high school, she also became employed at Playskool until the plant closed in 1975.

With Mike starting his career after college and Patrick in the Air Force, Joyce, her husband and youngest son Steve heard Wisconsin calling them back and moved to New London, where she worked at the Simmons factory until retirement in 1994.

After retirement, Joyce and Dick moved to Aztec, New Mexico where Patrick and his family were living. After two years, they all once again heard Wisconsin calling and she found herself full circle, making her home with her husband in Appleton.

Through the years, Joyce enjoyed a variety of crafts and took up painting ceramics, which adorn the shelves of all her family. She loved her life and was known to be a "spitfire". With her tiny 4 feet eleven inch 100lb frame, one never had to guess what she thought about any subject or person. Her coworkers at Simmons even took to calling her "Granny", because she reminded them of the character from the 1960's television show The Beverly Hillbillies. But there was a sweet and loving side to Joyce, which showed most often. Everyone who met her fell in love with her from the beginning.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard (Dick) Wells (2013); and her youngest son, Steven (2020); as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Ira and Dorothy Livingston of Appleton.

She will be deeply missed by her two sons, Michael (Sybil) Wells of Marengo, IL, and Patrick (Robin) Wells of Kaukauna, WI; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give thanks to the staff at Care Partners Assisted Living in Appleton for the extra special loving care they gave to her in her last days and to the staff of St Croix Hospice who also provided their loving care to her and to us as her family. We love you all!

A memorial visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Highland Memorial Park, 3131 N. Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM.