E. "Joyce" Kaiser, age 80 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her family following complications from cancer. She was born September 12, 1935 in Bedford, the daughter of Gus and Dorothy Louise (Hensley) Beasley. Joyce was an elementary teacher for Tipton School Corporation for 26 years, and retired in 1995. She graduated in 1953 from Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later graduated from Ball State College earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education. Joyce married Jerry J. Kaiser on June 5, 1953, and they shared 52 years of marriage together prior to his death in 2005. She was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood where she served as a secretary / treasurer for the church. She was also a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and the Beta Sigma Phi - Indiana Zeta Lambda Chapter. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and caring for several elderly friends by providing transportation and assistance for them. Earlier in life, Joyce enjoyed traveling on several memorable family trips. More than anything, she was devoted to her family.

Joyce's surviving family includes 4 children, Jerry D. (wife Donna) Kaiser of Hillsboro, TN, and Bruce K. Kaiser of Elwood, Cheryl D. Harvey of Anderson, and Sandra A. (husband Mark) Harney of Elwood; 3 sisters, Sherry Brannock of Syracuse, Mickey Turco of Chicago, and Debbie (husband Beryl) Atkinson of Gas City; brother, Gary (wife Peggy) Beasley of Elwood; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry J. Kaiser in 2005; daughter, Sheila K. Kelich in 2014; brother, Ron Beasley; sister, Sandy Laub; and grandson, Josh Kelich in 2016.

A funeral service celebrating Joyce's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Bill Johnston of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, September 5, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at copherfeslermay.com.