Joyce Heichel, 78, of Walkerton, Indiana, passed away Monday, November 6th, 2023, at Northwest Health-La Porte, IN.
She was born April 2nd, 1945, in New London, Ohio, the daughter of Alfred Copley and Clara (Ketchum) Copley.
Joyce graduated from high school and attended Ft Wayne Bible College, where she earned her nursing degree. She was a charter member of the Alliance Church in New London and a current member of the Antioch Baptist Church in Walkerton. On December 10th, 1982, Joyce married Donald Heichel at her grandmother's house in New London. In 1985, she began her work as an RN at La Porte Hospital. Joyce was an avid reader of Jeanette Oakley books and her grandmother's Bible. She enjoyed many activities, including swimming, walking, going to the beach, taking pictures, and riding her three-wheeler bike with her Chihuahua buddy. She also was an accomplished pianist who played for many years in her church. Her family, though, was what was most dear to her.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Donald; two daughters, Hether Goodnight of Anderson, IN, Anitra (Andrew) Bollenbacher of Osceola, IN; brother John (Jean-D) Copley of Wellington, OH; step-son, Donald (Tess) Heichel of La Porte, IN; step-daughter, Sandra (Tom) Hill of La Porte, IN; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janet Wakennight.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, LaPorte, IN. A visitation and service will be held at Friendship Baptist Church 3991 NW-4 La Porte, IN 46350 on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, from 10:00 - 12:00 noon (CST) with the service at noon (CST). Pastor David Waun will officiate. Cremation will take place with interment at Patton Cemetery at a later date. The family has requested that attendees wear bright colors to help celebrate Joyce's zest for life.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce's memory to the Antioch Baptist Church, 200 Maine Street, Walkerton, IN 46574.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
