Joyce Ann Books, 85, of Ossian, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born on Nov. 28, 1939, in Bluffton, she was the daughter of Virgil and Marjorie Books. Joyce was the oldest of four siblings, Marcia, Gary and Elaine. A large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins residing in Mishawaka, Fort Wayne and Wells County were an important part of her life.
Joyce graduated from Lancaster High School and resided in Wells County the majority of her life. She continued her education several years later graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management from Purdue University attending at the Fort Wayne campus.
Growing up on the farm, a strong work ethic was instilled in Joyce from her father. This paid dividends as she co-owned several businesses throughout her career: Bluffton Vault, Plumbing, Heating, & Electrical Company, Bluffton Monument and Lighted Gardens. She fondly remembered her first job at Macy’s Drive-In as a carhop.
Paramount in her life were her children and grandchildren. She rarely missed any events of their lives, including dance recitals, sporting events, graduations and the like. She often took lead roles in committees and activities in support of her children such as Girl Scouts and 4-H. Quilting was a favorite past-time of Joyce’s which she engaged in up to her final days.
Community involvement was a source of pride for Joyce as well. The Ossian Revitalization was one project. Joyce was a lifelong member of the Bluffton Presbyterian Church. She met many people there that were friends for life.
Joyce is survived by four daughters, Debra Barrick (Bud) of Bluffton, Diana (Norman) Morin of Crown Point, Indiana, Vicki (Kirt) Byerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Shari (Joe) Barrick of Farmington Hills, Michigan; four grandchildren, Alexander (MacKenzie) Zagrocki, Katherine Elliott, Maxx and Jack Byerly; and two great grandchildren, Graham and Gwen Zagrocki.
Joyce resided at Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center for the last seven years. She had many surrogate children and developed many friendships with her caregivers and staff. A big thanks to those at the facility who were a part of her life both in assisted living and skilled care.
A memorial service will be held to honor Joyce’s life. Arrangements are pending.
Mary S. Linker, 68
Mary S. (Koenigseker) Linker, 68, of New Bern, North Carolina, and formerly of Wells County, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.
Arrangements by Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E. in New Haven.