Joyce Ann Welker

Joyce Welker, 75, passed away at 10:35 p.m. on November 22, 2025, at Kindred Hospital.

Joyce was born on July 29, 1950, in Lima, Ohio, to LaVerne and Vera Joan (Kohli) Smith. On January 21, 1967, she married David Eugene Welker, who preceded her in death.

Joyce loved spending time with family and friends. Her favorite animal was a sloth and she collected them. She missed her dog Gizmo and going camping. When she was physically able to, Joyce was an avid bowler and belonged to several leagues and was also a youth coach.

Joyce was fun loving and could make you smile. While in the hospital, the nurses would comment about her brightening their day. She was loved by everyone who knew her and will be missed by all.

She is survived by her children, Joyce Marie (Terry) Routson, Tracie Lynn Baker and Jodi Ann Welker; grandchildren, Zackery (Alexis) Baker, Ronald Everman, Brandon (Ronnie) Baker, Luna ‘William’ (Aspen) Birchfield, Raistlin Birchfield, Cody Routson, Ciara Routson, and Joshua (Miranda) Routson; and eleven great grandchildren with one on the way; and siblings, David Smith, Dennis Smith, and Howard Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandchild, Mercedes Leigh Everman, and siblings, Susan Brandehoff and Patricia Fuche.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. Rev. Ty Gehle will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Mausoleum, Lima.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to COPD research or Leukemia Foundation.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.