Joyce Lea Ballerstein

Joyce was born in Herrin, Illinois, to Oscar LeRoy and Lydia Maxine (Dorris) Hook Jr. The family moved to Chicago when she was a child before moving out to California when Joyce was 16. Just before the drive out west, Oscar purchased a brand new 1957 Ford right off the showroom floor and let Joyce drive it to California. Just over a day into the trip, the brand new car over heated and the engine blew. Oscar was furious since the truck was only a day old! But the family did make it to California and settled there. Joyce was dating the president of a motorcycle club when another member, Ken Ballerstein, caught her eye. They were destined to be together and were married on July 20, 1968. The couple raised three children together; a daughter and twin boys. Ken wanted Joyce to be able to stay home and take care of the family, so he worked hard to support them all. Joyce was a great homemaker and wonderful cook. She took odd jobs now and then, and when the kids grew up she worked as a press operator in the printing industry. Ken and Joyce liked to bowl together and take a gambling outing now and then just to get away for a bit. Joyce especially loved to take walks along the Santiam River that ran close to where they lived. Ken and Joyce grew more in love each year and were blessed to have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary over the summer. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and her son Keith. She is survived by her husband Ken, daughter Dina (James) Machabee Sr, son Kraig (Geneva), and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private family celebration of Joyce's life will be held.