Inlet Beach, FL – Joyce Ramserran (Ekeren), 86, formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, at her retirement home in Inlet Beach, FL, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 27, 1939, in Barataria, Trinidad, to Rajranie and Ramsaran Rampersad, Joyce was one of 13 children and grew up with a deep love of family. At 16, she graduated from San Juan Secondary School, later moving 3,300 miles to attend Mankato State University. She earned her degree in Mathematics, Spanish, and French, and began her career teaching Spanish at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. It was there she met and married Larry Haugen, and they had three children, Tari, Tara, and Trevor. After Tari was born, she returned to Trinidad for a year to teach at Hillview College before moving back to Minnesota, where she taught Math and Spanish across several Minneapolis school districts.
Joyce lived in many places across Minnesota and in Champaign, IL, but the pull of Thief River Falls eventually brought her back in 1995. There, a chance encounter with Bob Ekeren sparked a friendship that grew into a lifelong bond. Bob became her best friend, constant companion, and loving husband.
Joyce gave her time and talents by serving on the Board of Directors for the Northland College Foundation and as an organizational leader at Trinity Lutheran Church.
She loved hosting and was a gifted cook. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved all holidays, but Christmas was her favorite when her home was filled with family, laughter, and the aroma of her famous curry chicken from her homeland. A lifelong lover of books, spirited Scrabble player, and faithful nightly viewer of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, she infused everything she did with wit and a touch of friendly competition.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Robert Ekeren; her children, Tari (Carl), Tara (Thomas), and Trevor (Sarah); her stepchildren, Thane (Kristi) and Candy (Kurt); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sisters, Lena (Varuna), Sagietta, Sandra (Ray), and Tara; her brother, Trevor (Sherry); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Rita, Meena, Selwyn, Richard, Dyanand, Marlowe, and Saisnarine; and her brother-in-law, Bobby Panchoo.
Her spirit, laughter, and joy will continue to shine in all who were blessed to know her, living on in the kindness she gave and the love she inspired.
There will be a celebration of life for Joyce held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Christy Klemz officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch to follow the service in the church basement.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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