Joyce (Noel) Spitnale, age 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Otterbein in Pemberville, Ohio.

Joyce was born on March 9, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Cecil and Wynema (Garrett) Noel. She was the oldest daughter and second of eight children. She cherished growing up in a large family. As a child, her family moved to Rossford, Ohio, the place she called home for most of her life.

Joy, as she was known to family and friends, graduated from Rossford High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, James Spitnale, in 1957. They were married for 51 years and had five children. She was Mimi to 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In 1996, James was offered a consulting opportunity overseas, so Joy took a leap of faith and moved to China with him. She enjoyed learning about the Chinese culture, shopping in Hong Kong and getting an experience like no other.

Throughout her life, she loved painting and classical music, and had a green thumb when it came to flowers and gardening. Joy was passionate about genealogy and enjoyed research trips with her sisters.

She was a member of the Rossford United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was active in Bible study. She was a member and past president of the United Methodist Women organization.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James; brother, Cecil Noel Jr., and beloved sisters, Sherran Engwert and Joan Susemichel.

Her family that will treasure her memory are children, James Jr. (Kim) Spitnale, Tamela (Dave) Woleslagel, Joan Woleslagel, Christopher (Sue) Spitnale and Joy (Erik) Chiarelott; grandchildren, Grant, Erica (Brian), Monica, Keith, Matt (Lisa), Steve, Jordan, Lindzy, Kyle, Alexander and Zachary; great-grandchildren, Hallie, Roy Jr., Katelyn, Ricky, Cohen, Alayna and Winnie; brother, Arthur (Mary) Noel; sisters, Sandra (Pete) Rees, Barbara (Dennis) Olszanski and Susan (Dave) Kazmaier, as well as her extended family and an abundance of friends, including her lifelong best friend, Jackie (Palko) Limes.

Joy had a strong faith in God, and lived her life with Christian values. A service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 4, at the Rossford United Methodist Church. Her final resting place will be in Fort Meigs Cemetery in Perrysburg.