Joyce B. Putman

1922 - 2018

Putman, Joyce B.
Jan. 8, 1922 - April 6, 2018
Surrounded by family, Joyce B. Putman of Englewood passed away on Friday April 6, 2018 at the age of 96. She was fortunate to enjoy good health until the last week of her life. Her longevity was assisted for decades by Dr. Guillermo Oynick, along with many other friends, family and neighbors.
Upon passing, Joyce was met by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was reunited with Dr. Richard Leroy Putman, her high school sweetheart and husband of 69 years, who preceded her in death. Joyce was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Jean A. Fehling, and brothers Paul Edward Firks and Bernard "Bud" Firks, as well as countless other beloved family members and friends.
Joyce B. Firks Putman was born on January 8, 1922 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Frank and Mabel Firks. Joyce and her siblings enjoyed a happy childhood with two loving parents and the doting presence of grandparents. Joyce met her husband, Richard Putman in high school and they were wed on Christmas Day in 1941. Early in their marriage, Richard served as a member of the U.S. Army Air Force. At the end of WWII, Joyce and Richard went to the University of Indiana where Dr. Putman received a degree in dentistry. Shortly thereafter, Richard, Joyce and their first daughter, Beth Ann, moved to Miami, Florida where they raised a family of three children. They remained in Miami until moving to Englewood, Florida in 1987. They devoted their retirement to loving and nurturing their ever growing family. Everywhere they lived they made lifelong friends.
Joyce was the matriarch of a large and loving family and is survived by three children, Beth (Jim) Lance, Kirk Putman and Lani (Alan) Gaver; nine grand-children, Amy (Josh) Pearman, Allison (Parker) Hooks, Emily (Jason) Qualls, Dair Schermerhorn, Maggie Schermerhorn, Wyatt Putman, Cassidy Keefe, Chelsea (Trent) Jackson and Colby Keefe; ten great-grandchildren, Caroline, Charlotte, Crimson, Clover, James, Ryan, Zachary, Brayden, Connor and Alayna. Joyce was also survived by two additional great-granddaughters: Ella Madison, who entered the world days after Joyce's passing, and one in womb. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with all the children of her family.
Prior to passing in 2010, Richard developed Alzheimer's and grew weak with cancer. Adamant to care for her husband at home, Joyce tirelessly dedicated several years to his continually increasing needs, never waning in her efforts to provide him with loving and attentive care.
Joyce will be missed by family members and friends, both local and afar. Her kindness, humor and warmth was felt by all who met her. Her ashes will be buried with those of her husband at the Sarasota National Cemetery. A service in celebration of Mrs. Joyce Putman's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Saving Grace Bible Church located at 2550 Englewood Road Englewood, Florida 34223.