Joyce Badertscher

1931 - 2025

BLUFFTON -- It is with heavy hearts (and reJOYCEing in Heaven), we announce the passing of Joyce Ann Badertscher, beloved Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma (GG), passed away at the age of 93, on March 10, 2025 at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton. Joyce was born on August 22, 1931 in Van Wert County, Ohio and was raised by her grandparents, Elsie and Henry "Pop" Kline. She graduated from Lima Central School in 1949. On May 2, 1953, Joyce married Maynard R. Badertscher at the Elm Street Church of the Brethren in Lima. Their new home, which Maynard built in 1952, was at 455 Cherry Street in Bluffton. Maynard passed from this life on June 10, 2014 at the Hilty Home in Pandora.

Surviving in Bluffton are her three children, Kathi L. Badertscher, Rex (Betty) Badertscher and Valli L. Burris.

Her surviving five granddaughters (the Fab Five) include Rachel (Eric) Schearer of Schertz, Texas, Holly (Sean) Goodwin of Bluffton, Erin (Mat) Otto of Pandora, Christen (Brandon) Shoemaker of Findlay and Allison (Caleb) Bingham of Harrod; twelve great-grandchildren, Dakotah Pohlman, Abbi and Morgan Schearer, Olivia and Ava Goodwin, Julieanne and Chase Otto, Baylee, Kylee and Charlee Shoemaker and Noah and Cara Bingham.

Joyce was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Coffman.

Joyce worked at the Lima office of Prudential Insurance Company and Renz' Bakery in Lima. She later worked at Bruce Shelly Nationwide Insurance, Bluffton, Steinman Lumber Company, Bluffton and for Maynard Badertscher Construction, Bluffton. Joyce was the first woman real estate broker in Bluffton and owned/operated Bluffton Realty for twenty-two years. In her retirement, she volunteered and worked for Dr. Reid at the Findlay Ear, Nose and Throat.

Joyce loved singing in the choir at St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton. She was a soloist for many weddings and festivities. Joyce also held positions at St. John's as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer and elder as well as a position with the United Church of Christ Conference. She was also a past member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and the Telesis Club both in Bluffton. Joyce was a girl scout leader for many years for Troop #315 in which she enjoyed staying overnight at Camp Myeerah near Bellefontaine, Ohio, Camp Woodhaven in Lima and the Bluffton College Cabin and Woods. She led singing, learning the Girl Scout Laws and cooking over an open fire. Joyce was mentored by Lois Kreider and Lois Rodabaugh.

Joyce was the first woman to be painted on the brick wall by Oscar Valesquez in June 2010.

Visitation will held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 223 W. College Avenue, Bluffton, Ohio. William Herr officiating. Burial will follow the service in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the amazing care and support from the staff at Mennonite Memorial Home and Bridge Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.