Joyce Ann Gravley

Joyce Ann Gravley, a woman whose life was a living testament to faith, family, and selfless service, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, in her daughter's home in Starke County, IN, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81. Born on July 31, 1944, at Huntington Hospital to Al and Helen (McElhaney) Ackermann, Joyce's life was rooted in faith from the beginning. She was baptized into God's family on August 27, 1944, and confirmed on June 8, 1958, at Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Huntington, where she would remain a devoted member her entire life. She graduated from Huntington High School in 1962. On June 9, 1962, she married Robert Wohlford and together they built a family centered on love and care. Joyce was a dedicated stay-at-home mom for most of her children's lives, a role she cherished deeply. She was the heart of her home-a busy momma who helped her husband, sewed clothes, prepared countless meals, always had homemade cookies for the neighborhood kids and created a warm, welcoming haven for all. She later worked at Handy Dandy in Fort Wayne, Shuttleworth in Huntington, and retired after 18 years of service at Omni Source in Fort Wayne. Joyce's hands were rarely still, but they were always working for others. She was a talented seamstress and created beautiful counted cross-stitch pieces. She tended a garden that was both beautiful and fruitful, sharing its bounty with everyone. Most famously, she was known for her open heart and open kitchen, and helped out anyone in need. Joyce lived by a simple, powerful principle: no one should ever go hungry or feel uncared for. This profound generosity touched countless lives through her work with the General Guild, Dorcas Circle, teaching Sunday School, and leading both Boy and Girl Scout troops. Joyce didn't know a stranger. On July 31, 1991, she married Damon Gravley, and her capacity for love grew to embrace stepchildren and more grandchildren, whom she loved as her own. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother. Alan Richard Ackermann, a sister Jerri Lynn (Ackermann) Hughes a husband Daman Draper Gravley and her grandson, Sean Wohlford, Her beautiful legacy lives on through her children: Andrew (Brenda) Wohlford of Osceola, IN; Martin (Skye) Wohlford of Goliad, TX; and Christina (Keith) Enger of Knox, IN; her stepchildren, Michael Gravley of KY and Amanda Carew of Huntington, IN; her cherished grandchildren: Jonathan, Sarah, Elizabeth, Jacob Wohlford; Rachel Goodman; Matthew Neuer; Joshua and Jennifer Enger; her step-grandchildren: Kaiden McClurg, Destiny Johnson, Damon Carew, Kaylee Carew, Evie Williams, Nolan Kaylor, and Katie Kaylor; and her adored great-grandchildren: Jonny, Denver, Liberty, Alexis, Clara, Lucy, Colin, Liam, Olivia, and Lennox. Also loves her 3 remaining sisters, Karen Smith and Nancy England of Indiana and Rita Weber of Illinois. She loved all of us so much, and we loved her even more. A service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Huntington, IN, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 3pm. She chose her confirmation hymn, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb," along with "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and "Children of the Heavenly Father" to be sung, reflecting the unwavering faith that guided her. She held tightly to her confirmation verse, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4), and her favorite passage, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Huntington, IN, to continue the work of a community she loved so dearly. A private burial will be at Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery, Huntington, IN. Joyce's was a life of love made tangible-in a stitch, a planted seed, a shared meal, and a warm embrace. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of kindness will continue to nourish us all. McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St, Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Ann (Ackermann) Gravley, please visit our floral store.