Ruby “Joyce” Crandon, age 94, passed away at Sara Ann Hester Home in Benkelman, NE on May 23, 2026.

Joyce was born in Parks, NE on October 19, 1931. She was one of 12 children to parents Steve and Reba (Smith) Ellis. Joyce graduated from Parks High School with the class of 1949.

Joyce met John “Jack” R. Crandon in Wichita, KS at Beechcraft Airplane Manufacture. The two were married on July 5, 1952, and from this union, two boys were born: Monty and Jeff. They shared 42 wonderful years together before Jack’s passing in 1994.

Joyce managed and ran two restaurants in Benkelman, NE, Tiger Hut (later became JC Café) and Jack’s Supper Club, for 30 years. Joyce was a staple in the Benkelman community because her restaurants were where everyone gathered.

Joyce was always very kind, giving, and gentle but was also firm and fair. She was always willing to help others. Her hobby was going and eating with her friends. She enjoyed making Sunday dinner, which was fried chicken and mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, served with her famous apple pie or milk pie. She was a devout Catholic and was an avid member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benkelman.

Joyce’s legacy will be remembered by her sons, Monty (Kim Wagner) Crandon of Tucson, AZ and Jeff (Shaunie) Crandon of Lincoln, NE; sister, Pat Brahm of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren, Angie Blankley and Tyler Crandon; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Jack Crandon; special friend, Dick Davis; and siblings, Wilma Baur, Lilly Alt, Darlene Korf, Hayden Ellis, Josephine Buettgenbach, John Ellis, and Genevieve Haines, June Schmidt, Tom Ellis, and Ruth Ellis. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.