Joyce Marlene Garner Buster passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2025 in her home with her family. Joyce was born on August 27th, 1935 to Chester and Freda ( Jessen ) Garner, one of nine children. She was born and raised in Monmouth, Illinois. She was little bit of a lady who could do anything that she set her mind on. She loved telling the grandchildren about her motorcycle racing days and her accuracy with a shotgun and rifle. She met the love of her life while in high school, but in her own words, he was a jerk so they took separate paths until in 1961 when they re-connected and their love story began. She married Van M. Buster on January 5, 1963 in Galesburg, Illinois and raised their family on the same corner where she passed. She loved life and her family and loved being affectionately known as “Grandma Ghost Buster” by her great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Jonny Buster and Corrine, James Buster and Rose, Debra Jackson, Cindy Vanskike and Billy, Anna Ray and Mike, Tracy Jones and Tracy, and Tammy Vanskike and “Jr”. Grandchildren: Rowan Foenini Edwards and Ron, Lila Woods and James, David Buster, Lana Buster, James Buster, Jr, Kim Johnson and Jerimah, Ronita Countryman and Travis, Erik Smith and Brianna, Vanessa Vanskike, Timothy Kreul and Brenda, Thomas Kreul, Joshua Eckley and Michelle, Kenneth Eckley, Jeremy Jones, Amanda Foley and Ryan, DonavanVanskike and Jessica. There are thirty-four great grandchildren, numerous great great grandchildren and great, great, great grandchildren. She is survived by her best friend Rosemary O’Daniels and her favorite niece, Sandra Mullens. She is preceded in her death by her husband Van, siblings Robert Garner, Mary Robbins, Jerry Garner, James Garner, Bill Garner, Larry Garner, Dora Kruel, and Linda Garner. Also preceding her are two son in laws, Michael Petterson and Ronald Jackson, one granddaughter, Allison Ault, numerous in laws and nieces and nephews.
Joyce enjoyed the outdoors and listening to music. Her all-time favorite song was ” The Lion Sleeps Tonight ” Her laughter and light will be greatly missed, but she was ready to on to her next chapter. No sadness …only happiness.
Turnbull Funeral Home is in charge of Joyce’s care. As per her request there will not be any services. Cremation is to be accorded, and her ashes will be laid to rest privately at a later date. Memorial funds being established for Western County Animal Shelter, 830 186th Avenue in Monmouth, IL 61462, or Freedom Ride Rescue 300 West Harlem Suite B Monmouth, IL, or Hospice Compassus 755 North Henderson St Galesburg, Illinois 61401. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
