Joyce Elaine Ries, 84, born June 8, 1942, in Danville, Ohio, passed away on October 12th at Avalon Health & Rehab Center in Mt. Vernon, Ohio surrounded by her family.
Joyce was the daughter of the late LaVerne and Marie (Colopy) Staver.
Joyce grew up in North Lawrence, Ohio with her parents, sisters and little brother. She enjoyed 4-H activities, school and cheerleading. Joyce met the love of her life, Don, when she was in 8th grade. They were married on September 22, 1962. They were together for 70 years (married for 63) until
Don passed away just a year ago.
Joyce and Don lived most of their lives in the Canal Fulton/Clinton area where they raised four boys. Joyce was a stay-at-home mom. In creating a loving and supportive home for her boys, she also babysat dozens of other children – continuing to do so even after all the boys left home.
Joyce and Don did everything together. They led church youth groups, served the local baseball league, cared for nieces and nephews and supported their community. They supported and loved each other through the challenges of raising four boys and being part of their local community. While raising her boys was one of her favorite parts of her life, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy. Joyce loved sharing about their lives. Although for the last several years she couldn’t travel, she remained a part of their lives. At any gathering Joyce attended, you could always find her with the kids playing a goofy game, making silly faces or snuggling them as they fell asleep.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, and her great-grandson Daniel.
She is survived by her sons Eric (Christine), Kevin, Kirk (Amy) and Sean (Julie). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Bruce (Mandy), Kirsten (Jonathan), Matt (Emily), Kelsey (Karly), Nick, Lonna, Fr. Peter ‘Jared’ (Sophie), Hilary and great-grandchildren: Kaison, Braxton, Axl, Asher, August, Nizhoni, Juliette, Jacob, Aria, Owen, Emersyn, Eastyn, Otto, Milo and number 16 (coming in April 2027).
Additionally, Joyce is survived by her siblings, Janelle Healey, Annie Fricke, Mary Lou (Danny) Pratt, Tim (Carolyn) Staver, along with many nieces, nephews and many others who considered her a mother figure.
Per Joyce’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. However, the family will hold a Celebration of Life/Memorial Service at Chapel of the Cross (14411 Orrville Street, NW – North Lawrence, Ohio (44666) on Saturday October 24th. The family will receive visitors from 12:30 – 1:00, and the service will follow. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to celebrate Joyce’s life in the hall at the conclusion of the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider finding a young person in your community that you can sponsor for their sports league (rec or school), church camp or another program in Joyce’s memory.
The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family.
To express condolences to the Ries family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com