Joyce E. Elder

Joyce E. Elder, 79, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth.

Born on February 28, 1945, in Plymouth, Indiana, she was the daughter of Clarence and Emma (Zechiel) Hepler. She married Roy Eaton in July 1966, who preceded her in death in August 1967. She graduated from Plymouth High School (’63) and obtained her B.S.N. (’67) and M.S.N. (’79) in nursing from Indiana University. 

She began her career in nursing at Elkhart General Hospital but soon moved into education. She worked as an assistant professor of nursing at Indiana University (Indianapolis) for 14 years and Marian College for 7 Years. She spent time as a nursing supervisor at Wishard Hospital and Plainfield Juvenile Correctional Facility and finished the last 19 years of her career as a supervisor at the Indiana State Board of Health.

Strong, independent and hardworking are just a few words that describe Joyce, a person who strongly valued education. She had a passion for teaching and mentoring nursing students. She earned the reputation for being very demanding of her students, as she wanted them to learn the material for a lifetime, not just for a test. She was well respected as both a colleague and teacher and was honored with the “Outstanding Teacher Award” at IU School of Nursing in ’85 and ’86 and was a candidate for “Teacher of the Year” at Marian College in ‘89.

Joyce enjoyed the water and spent many weekend trips boating on the Ohio River and vacationing to beaches in Texas. She loved gardening and took great pride tending to her flower beds. She was an avid reader and rarely was without a book in her hand. Joyce had a great love for animals; she was a dedicated supporter of the Indianapolis Zoo and spent countless hours there. She also had a love for all things Disney, The Game Show Network and Christmas. She rarely missed an episode of Survivor and was a bargain shopper, always on the lookout for a great deal. 

Joyce was proud to be a breast cancer survivor.

Joyce never had any children but always thought of her nephews as her own and took great pride in their families and accomplishments.

She is survived by her sister Debbie Haeck of Plymouth; nephews: Nathan (Faithe) Haeck of Garden City, KS; Brad Haeck of Plymouth; niece-in-law Lisa Haeck of Osceola; great nieces and nephews: Anna, Emma, Olyn, Timothy and Reagan.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents and nephew Andy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Nathan Haeck officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the start of the service.

Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Indianapolis Zoo,1200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222. Place “In memory of Joyce Elder” in memo section.