Joyce E. Himler

Joyce E. Himler, 87, of Bucyrus, died Sunday, September 29, 2024 at home under the care of Avita Home Health and Hospice following an extended illness. 

She was born November 4, 1936 in Bucyrus, Ohio to the late Harold A. “Tim” and Nina E. (Leonard) Taylor. Joyce was a 1954 graduate of Bucyrus High School and attended The Ohio State University for a brief period. She married Merris Welge and had two daughters, Pamela Sue and Patricia Kay. They separated and Joyce was reacquainted with her high school sweetheart, John Himler by mutual friends, Frank and Maggie Fischer. On June 12, 1971, they married and shared nearly 40 years of marriage until his passing on May 23, 2011.

Joyce served as Secretary with Swan Rubber, Shunk Mfg., and was an Executive Secretary for Bucyrus City Schools, working in the board office. She retired in January of 1997 after 25 years. 

Joyce was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church, and earlier in life, was active in Brownies, Girl Scouts and PTA. She was also one of the founding members of the Tots to Teens Mothers Club and was charter member of Order of the Rainbow for Girls 75. 

Joyce was an avid golfer and a huge fan and supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes. She played many rounds of golf as a member of both the Bucyrus Country Club and Harder Hall Golf Club in Sebring, Florida where she and John wintered for 23 years. They attended most OSU football home games and many away games, but when not in attendance, they often hosted parties for friends to help cheer on their Buckeyes. Joyce also loved having family over for gatherings as well as any holiday, and always providing a feast like no one else could. In more recent years she was elated to be a Memaw to her only great grandson. They shared eight years of many smiles and much laughter. 

Joyce is survived by daughters, Pamela Givens and Patricia Eicher; grandchildren, Christopher (Sarah) Eicher, Janelle Givens, Michael Givens and great grandson, Johnathan Eicher. She is also survived by stepdaughter, Allison McKeehen and her daughters, Shannon (Michael Ross) McKeehen and Erica McKeehen. She was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Ann Taylor who died in infancy and her son-in-law, John Givens.

A memorial visitation for Joyce will be held from 11 – 12:55 pm Tuesday, October 8 at Wise Funeral Service, where her service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Tanyce Addison officiating and she will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery. 

If desired, donations can be made payable to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Good Hope Lutheran Church or the Humane Society Serving Crawford County. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy can be shared on her guestbook.