Anita “Joyce” Beemer of Umatilla passed away in Hermiston on Nov. 20, 2023 at the age of 74.
She was born on July 10, 1949 in St. Charles, Mo. to David and Ruby Sullivan Wilson Jr.
Joyce grew up and attended schools in California and Oregon. She was a voracious reader and never stopped learning.
Joyce married Edward Beemer on Feb. 11, 1983 in Reno, Nev. They have traveled and done many things together in their 40 years of marriage.
She loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren hold a special place in her heart. She also enjoyed photography and listening to music.
Joyce worked as a board member and secretary at the ARC of Umatilla County for many years. Joyce was a wealth of information when it came to any aspect of providing services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. During ARC board meetings, Joyce would often be the voice of reason with her extensive experience with this unique population. Providing and researching services were near and dear to the heart of Joyce as a mother of Darel who flourished, thanks to her persistence and ability to “think out of the box” when producing a custom-fitted environment. You would often see Joyce manning the cash register and welcoming everyone to various ARC functions, such as the Halloween Dance. Joyce motivated everyone in the I/DD community to strive for their best and overcome challenges to enhance the life of individuals, family members, friends and community partners. As a pathfinder in the I/DD community, her legacy will live on as we build on the firm foundation she has established.
She is survived by her husband, Edward; daughter, Donna Lovato; sons, Darel Beemer and Edward Beemer; grandchildren, Tiffanie, Cindy, Jeff, Nick, Patrick and Bailey; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Cae, Patty and Sunni; brothers, Anthony, Darren and Earnest; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert “Bobby” Lovato; and two brothers, David Wilson and Jeffery Wilson.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2024 at the ARC of Umatilla County. All are invited to attend.
Family suggests memorial donations in Joyce’s memory be made to the ARC of Hermiston.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
