Joyce A. Meier

1944 - 2026

Joyce Ann Wade Meier. 81 went to her heavenly home the morning of February 21st. 2026 She was born July 12, 1944, to Robert and Eva Loy Wade in Ogilville, Indiana. During her lifetime, she played many roles, among them Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother & Grandma.

She was the oldest of five siblings. Instead of having dolls, she had her youngest twin sister & brother to love & care for.

She was an excellent student. After contracting encephalitis when she was 10, she was upset that her report card was not as good as she was used to - even though she missed school.

She graduated toward the top of her class in high school. Instead of going on to college. she decided to marry Charles Albert Meier. They married on June 10th, 1962 in Mooresville, Indiana. This began her role as a wife, specifically a farm wife. This would mean periodically helping to move machinery from field to field, cooking for farmhands, and becoming a bookkeeper.

The role of mother would soon follow as the first of three children were born over the next 11 years: Jo Linda Meier, Shane Charles Meier, Matthew Henry Meier. This added teacher, chauffeur and sometimes referee to her existing repertoire.

If that wasn't enough, Joyce a decided to pursue a nursing career. She graduated from nursing school in 1966 as a licensed practical nurse. She would go onto to work on the OB floor of Bartholomew County Hospital (as it was then called) for many years.

Music played a huge part in Joyce's life while she could play the piano by ear, her mother insisted she take piano lessons, too. She played piano for St. Peter's Pre-School Sunday School for many years, as well as being Sunday School Superintendent part of that time. She also played piano for the ecumenical VBS program in Rock Creek Township. And lastly, she was the last permanent pianist for Grammer Presbyterian Church until the church dissolved several years ago.

Another church position that she filled for many years was the head of Christian Service Guild at St. Peter's which provided & served bereavement meals.

In school she was interested in journalism which she put to use by writing a column for The Republic while she was in high school. Later on she would go on to be the editor of a local Farmers Marking Association newsletter. She would put her talents to use on behalf of the Extension Homemakers.

She was a long-time member of Club 24 Extension Homemakers, servicing as many local & county officers.

Joyce's interests were seldom stymied. She loved trying new things likes crafts & cooking classes. She became a sales consultant with Longaberger Baskets and really enjoyed the new friendships it provided.

As the children aged, grandchildren followed. She was so proud of all their achievements: musical, dancing, figure skating, football, baseball, basketball, swimming, diving, gymnastics, cheerleading, soccer, track, cross country, wrestling and scholastic. Unfortunately, her failing health as years went by meant she could only enjoy the regaling of the activities over the phone

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 62+ years, Charles her children Jo Linda, Shane & wife Trish, Henry & wife Melissa; son-in-law James Lutz; her grandchildren Meredith Lutz & husband Aaron Johnson, Nolan Meier & fiance Tommi Stowers, Mickey Meier, Gabbie Meier, Brady Meier & Izzy Meier; her siblings Donna Jackson, Connie Wade & husband Rick Bunn, John Wade & wife Bobbi; brother-in-law Don Meier & wife Diane, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins & their respective families.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Larry Wade.

In the various condolences that have been received in the past few days, many of the words that have been repeated have been: kind, giving and thoughtful. While we will all miss these qualities, her family is so happy to know that she is at peace and is now embraced in Jesus' loving arms.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory with Pastor Adam Rodriguez officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the funeral home and 9 a.m. until service time on Friday. Burial will be held at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, St Peter's Lutheran Church Music Department or the Donor's Choice of Charity.