Jovetta A. Means

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jovetta (Joie) Ann Means, who left us peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by the family she loved dearly. Born on July 14, 1947, in Decatur, Indiana, Joie possessed a fighting spirit from her days as a Van Wert High School cheerleader that would carry her through an extraordinary life. In March 2011, Joie was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma. After being given days to live, she was soon after airlifted to Cleveland Clinic where she became the first patient to receive a pioneering stent-graft treatment. What doctors predicted would be days became 14 and a half magnificent years - years filled with Wednesday night American Idol traditions, countless board games, beach vacations to her beloved Lake Michigan, and the arrival of grandchildren she fought to meet. Through multiple surgeries, including having her aorta replaced, Joie's determination to be there for her family never wavered. Joie owned and operated Joey's Child Care in Fort Wayne from 1997 for over a decade, starting the business so she could be closer to her grandchildren. She was a nurturing presence to countless families, and many children who weren't biologically hers still called her "Grandma" - a title she wore with pride. She was the grandma who spoiled grandkids properly - ruining it for the parents with her generous spirit. She loved attending her grandkids' events - whether it was theatre, sporting events, or recitals, she loved it all and would go out of her way to attend and support her grandkids, or watch on streaming when she couldn't make the trip. She loved keeping up with everyone on social media, cheering for the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark, watching Jeopardy, The Middle, and Modern Family. Whether at the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Florida, or Lake Michigan, or gathered around the TV for American Idol every Wednesday with her grandkids, Joie's joy came from being surrounded by those she loved. Joie loved her family and friends above all else, and she made everybody she met feel like family. Whether it was her children's friends, her grandchildren's friends, or people she just met, she did everything she could to make them feel welcome, to feel like family. Her life was filled with years of love, laughter, and memories that will forever warm our hearts. Her fighting spirit and boundless love for her grandchildren defined her journey and inspired all who knew her. Jovetta is survived by her loving husband, Loren Means; her children John Motycka (Jennifer), Eric Motycka (Nupur), and Rebecca Woodfill (Mike); her step-children Connie Snyder, Mitch Means, and Jill Doctor (Ron); nine grandchildren: Zoie, Max, Krishaa, Saanvi, Vincent, Simon, Kyliah, Cassie, and Landon; three great-grandchildren: Aiden, Peyton, and Cohen; her siblings Gloria (Bill) Sternberger, Susie Lude, Jim (Coleen) Rogers, Barb (Mike) Hungerford, Steve Rogers, Doug Rogers, Becky (Bob) Campbell, and Dan Rogers; sisters-in-law Sue Rogers and Martha Rogers; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Elizabeth Rogers; stepson Ryan Means; brothers Jerry, Bob, and Terry Rogers; brothers-in-law Charlie Sanderson and Ken Lude; and nephews Jason Rogers, Greg Hungerford, and Eric Bruot. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joie's remarkable life during a funeral service at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd., Huntertown, IN 46748 on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with one-hour prior visitation. Public visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lodge Cleveland, 11432 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, in gratitude for the care that gave us so many extra years with our beloved Joie. Click here to support Hope Lodge: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/hopelodgecleveland/donate Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Jovetta A. Means, please click here to visit our sympathy store. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jovetta A. Means, please click here to visit our sympathy store.