Joyce Darlene Roethler, 76, of Van Buren, IN, passed away at 1:10PM on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Millers Merry Manor in Marion, IN. She was born on August, 9, 1941 in Marion, IN to Dale W. & Louise (Enyeart) Miller. She married Richard Roethler on December 19, 1997 in Fairbanks, Alaska; he passed away on August 15, 2002. Joyce was a graduate of Van Buren High School class of 1959. She also obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Indiana State University. Joyce was in the United States Marine Corp and from 1959-1960 was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. She moved to Alaska for 14 years, until moving back in 2008. When she was in Alaska, Joyce was a Veterans advocate and was very proud to finish a bill that provided a permanent “Women’s Veterans Day” in the state of Alaska. She also assisted in developing a state veteran’s cemetery in Alaska. Joyce was very passionate about serving in the military and continued to advocate for veteran’s rights. Joyce dearly loved her family, country and Lord. She was a member of the Amvets post #5 in Marion and several Amvets posts in Alaska.
Loving survivors include: Sons-Michael (Marie) Buff, Marion, IN, James “Rusty” (Stacey) Buff, Gas City, IN, Daughters-Tara (John) Street, Van Buren, IN, Rebecca Buff, Wintergarden, FL, Step Son-Brad (Aldie) Amundson, Oregon, 16 Grandchildren and 30 ½ Great Grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her Mother-Louise (Enyeart) Miller, Father-Dale W. Miller, Husband- Richard Roethler and Son- Dale Buff.
Friends and family may gather to share and remember on Friday, January 12, 2017 at the Van Buren United Methodist Fellowship Hall 105 2nd Street Van Buren from 1:00-5:00PM. A celebration of life service will follow at 5:00PM with Pastor Cindy Osgood officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Gardens of Memory in rural Marion. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the local DAV Transportation 1700 E. 38th St. Marion, IN 46953.
Arrangements are being handled by Ferguson & Glancy Funeral Home, Van Buren, IN.