Joyce Ann Ambrose Geissler

1934 - 2021

Joyce Ann Ambrose Geissler

Marion - Joyce Ann Ambrose Geissler, age 86, of Marion, died peacefully on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at Marion General Hospital with her loving family by her side followed by an extended illness.

On May 25, 1934, Joyce was born in Marion, Ohio, the baby of six children of the late Vinton E. and Phoebe "Mae" (Crissinger) Ambrose. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the class of 1952. Throughout her life, she kept detailed records about all of her classmates and what they did with their lives.

Joyce started her working career by taking tickets at the Ohio Theatre. She then assisted with ad production at the Marion Star, walking throughout Marion taking ad proofs to businesses. She then worked as a waitress at Turoff's Restaurant. Next, she worked for L & K Restaurants, starting as a waitress and working her way up to being a manager trainer. She even managed a restaurant and peanut parlor for L & K on the east side of town. Then, after a short stint at the Frank Brother's Department Store, she worked for many years at the Whirlpool Corporation in the paint inspection department, until her retirement in 1995.

Joyce served as a Girl Scout Leader and a Youth Director at Central Christian Church. She also was a member of a card club, getting together weekly with a special group of friends to play cards. She even bowled in leagues for many years.

Very artistic, Joyce could make anything she put her mind to. She started by sewing outfits for her daughter, Annelle, and all of her dolls. She enjoyed cross stitching, ceramics, and painting. She also loved to read, and babysit her special grandchildren.

Later in her life, Joyce became an avid genealogy researcher. She traced her family back as far as possible, until her research took her back to Germany and she couldn't read their language. So, Joyce studied German until she understood the language well enough to visit Germany and further her family research. She also loved to travel, visiting many places in Europe, including England and Holland. She traveled to many places in the US too, including a special trip to Hawaii. Her favorite travels though, were traveling to wherever her grandchildren were playing sports.

Full of joy and sass, Joyce always saw the glass as half full for her family and friends. She truly saw the best in everyone and everything, and always gave the best encouragement.

She will be missed by her beloved daughter, Annelle Bushatz; two grandchildren: Alex (Katrina Jester) Bushatz, and Sarah (Trenton) Fitzgerald; one great-grandson, Myles Fitzgerald; numerous nieces and nephews; and two best friends: Linda Millington, and Eugene Gear.

Including her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Darrell Bushatz; and all five siblings: Dorothy Metzler, Vinton "Buss", Clyde, Leroy "Jake", and Harland Ambrose.

Her family will greet friends from 10 - 11 am on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Marion Salem United Methodist Church (address below). Services honoring her life will follow there at 11 am, with Rev. Ric Harvel officiating. Friends are welcome to stay at the church, where a luncheon will follow. Burial will then be held at 2:30 pm in Agosta Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion Salem UMC, 1640 Salem Rd, Caledonia, OH 43314, or to the First Presbyterian Church, 143 S. Prospect St., Marion, OH 43302.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Joyce's family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.