Joyce Haney

Margaret Joyce Haney (Joyce), 98, of Winona Lake, Indiana was born in the quiet town of North Manchester, Indiana, on August 2, 1927 (better known as “August the tooth”). The daughter of the late Lottie Evelyn and Ira Loren King, she joined her 2-year old sister, the late Vada Lee Nixon. Joyce peacefully passed away at home Wednesday, August 27, 2025. She was surrounded by her family and loving caregivers.

In her early years Joyce attended Thomas Marshall elementary school and later graduated from Manchester High School. She continued her education at Manchester College, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business & English.

Joyce’s talent on the flute got her not only the position of first chair flautist in the high school orchestra, but simultaneously a spot in the Manchester College orchestra. This was instrumental in leading her to the love of her life after meeting G. Robert Haney (Bob) at college. He played first chair trumpet and must have hit the right notes because they were married September 17, 1947 in North Manchester. Their marriage continued for 69 wonderful years.

Soon Joyce and Bob moved to their permanent homestead in Winona Lake, Indiana to help with his father’s business (The Winona Lake Dairy). There she began establishing deep roots - raising four children and excelling in all the qualities of a 1950’s homemaker, wife and mother – all while learning how to stretch a dollar. Joyce helped provide for her family by canning garden vegetables; sewing clothes; and creating stuffed toys, personalized Christmas stockings and many other hand-crafted items.

After all the children were in school, Joyce also expanded her talents, putting her college degree to work as a substitute teacher for Jefferson grade school.

In 1974 she spread her wings once again and became the CEO of her new business – Joyce’s Pet Pantry, Inc. The name was derived from working out of her kitchen pantry. The business grew and a new shop was built making Joyce’s Pet Pantry a “paws”ative destination for generations of animal lovers. Joyce groomed her special clients until she was forced to retire at age 93 due to COVID 19 closures.

Joyce, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, is survived by her two sons, Greg (Jane) Haney and John (Dawn) Haney; two daughters, Anne (Dave) Bonewitz and Paige Haney;10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. A surviving sister-in-law (Margaret Palmer) resides in Rome, New York.

Arrangements are entrusted to Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw, IN 46580. Her Life Celebration Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the funeral home from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Her funeral will be held the following day at 11:00 AM on September 4th at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Pfeiffer officiating. Burial will follow to Oakwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Rejoice Radio – a Christian radio station found at www.rejoice.org.