Joyce Ann Mueller Westerbeck, 75, of New London, died Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She was born April 21, 1950 Ft. Madison to James Eugene and Lila Lee Coleman Mueller. She married Rex McCreight, they divorced. She then married Richard Gill, they divorced. On May 16, 1986 she married Michael Allen Westerbeck and they were married for nearly thirty nine years when he died April 10, 2025.
She attended Mt. Pleasant High School. Joyce was in dietary management for most of her life. She was dietary manager at Arbor Court for many years and most recently in the dietary department at Silver Palms in Mt. Pleasant. She was a member of New London Christian Church where she taught Sunday School and was very involved in the church. She volunteered for the “Big Sister” program in Mt. Pleasant. Joyce embroidered a baby blanket for every new baby in the family; loved time spent with all of her children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their events.
Survivors include her children Sandra Lynn (Kip) Esbaum of Lowden, Iowa, Patricia Jo Gill-Jones of New London and Travis Eugene (Amy) Gill of Salem; step-daughters Melissa Anne (Chris) Anderson and Jennifer Jayne (Damon) Loyd both of New London; seven grandchildren, Samuel (Alexis) Loyd, Layney (Judah) Cooper, Gaige (Maureen) Gill, Claire Jones, Laettner (Jalen) Esbaum, Elle (Mathew Meline) Esbaum, Pavin Esbaum; two great-grandchildren, Mac and Mara Gill; brothers Jim Jr (Debbie) Mueller and Tommy (Cynthia) Mueller, both of Mt. Pleasant; sisters Sharrie Ryan of Keokuk, Vicki (Arnie) Anderson of New London, Cindy (Greg) Riley of Mt. Pleasant, Terri (Gene) Husky of Independence and Debbie (Rick) Nichols of Mt. Pleasant; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Michael and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Billy Mueller and grandson Logan Esbaum.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at New London Christian Church with Pastors Rod and Nathan Cooper officiating. Family will greet friends beginning at 9:00 until the time of the service. Inurnment at Burge Cemetery, New London, will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established for the Children’s Ministry at New London Christian Church. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.