Joyce Elaine Schafer

On March 3, 2025, Joyce Elaine Schafer, formerly from Lakeville, IN, passed on to eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Those who are there welcoming her with loving arms are her husband Roger Schafer, their dog Bear, granddaughter Katie Richard, great-grandson Nolan Richard and those great-grandchildren she never got to meet here on earth. Those who will miss and mourn her passing are her sister, Marie Shafer and her children Shelley (Fred) Nichols, Lora (Dan) Richard and Kurt (Patty) Schafer. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Adam (Jessica), Ryan (Starry), Dana and Lexi Richard; Rachael (Joe) Sudek, Kyle (Hannah) and Ethan Nichols; Kaleb and Alex Schafer. The joy of her life were her great grandchildren Austin Troyer, Cameron and Noah Nichols, Henry Richard, and Miles and Carson Sudek. She will also be missed by her special friend Ruthann Millage whom she provided care for several years.

Joyce was born in Bremen, IN to Harlan and Edna Balsley. Harlan worked for the railroad and some of her fondest childhood memories are of taking trips on the train to Nappanee, IN to visit family and Chicago, IL where her father would have his pocket watch calibrated every year.

Joyce’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. She would host a family luncheon almost every Sunday at the home she shared with her husband on Osborne Road in Lakeville, IN. These occasions would include playing cards and games, having bon fires, playing bocce ball, football and flying kites that she would get for her grandchildren. She was a masterful card player who silently would play the game and seem surprised when she won for which she deserves an Academy Award. She also enjoyed talking long drives through the country, visiting Cataract Falls and Brown County, IN. Her favorite vacation spot was Gatlinburg, TN. There you would find her walking the trails, riding through the mountains to see various sights and sitting on large rocks listening to the water run through the many creeks for hours on end.

Joyce was a devout person of faith who attended First Brethren Church in South Bend, IN for 25 years. She served on the Deacon Board, taught Sunday school and sent greeting cards to members of the church. Prior to her retirement Joyce worked assisting those with disabilities and began a ministry bringing them to church with her and starting the Friends class. She also felt called to witness and pray with those who lived in Linden House Apartments where she lived for three years and made many friends. She would gleam with excitement when her friends would call her and give her updates on those she had prayed for and came to know Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2025 beginning with visitation at 3:00 followed by the celebration at 4:00 at First Brethren Church located at 4909 Ironwood Rd., South Bend, IN 46614. The family has request that those attending wear brightly colored clothing to honor their mother’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at friendsofthesmokies.org.