Joyce K. Ruston of Millsboro passed away peacefully at her home on Feb. 25 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Joyce was born in Dover on Dec. 10, 1939 to the late T. Robert and Catherine Croes Ruston. As a young girl, she developed a love for ballet and playing the piano. Joyce attended Laurel High School, studied Dance at Sullins College in Virginia and ultimately moved to Wilmington after college where she performed as a ballerina. Joyce started her career at Sears Financial Services and then went on to spend nearly 20 years at DuPont in Business Analysis where she made lifelong friends. After DuPont, Joyce worked at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with her church community remaining an important part of Joyce’s life after she retired. She was a founder of New Life Furnishings, giving back to those in need throughout the city of Wilmington for many years.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Wilbert Croes, and sister, Sylvia Ruston Gee. She is survived by her sister, Bonne C. Ruston of Georgetown; nephew Jim Wootten and his wife Christina of Millsboro; great nephews and nieces, Luke, Connor, Sydney and Remi Wootten; Gail Wootten; cousins and dear friends who she loved like family; and, her beloved cat, Mickey.
A memorial service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13th Street in Wilmington on Wednesday, April 19 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.