Joyce Thomas, 66 of Ashland went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 30, 2024, with her loving family by her side. She was born on December 3, 1957, in Wooster, the daughter of the late Mahlon and Beulah (nee Stauffer) Zuercher.
Joyce graduated from Central Christian High School, Class of 1976. During her employment at Hawkins Market, Joyce met the love of her life, Fred Thomas. They were married on September 9, 1978, and together they lovingly raised three children. Joyce was a devoted friend and loved by many. Her kind and selfless spirit was a shining example of Jesus’ love in her life. The family has very fond memories of many trips taken with her, all across the U.S. Her home was always surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers which she enjoyed caring for. But most of all she loved spending quality time with all her family and friends.
During the early years of her marriage, Joyce devoted herself to her family, providing them with delicious home-cooked food, a beautiful clean home, and endless love. After her children were older, she worked as a certified ophthalmic assistant; first at Advanced Eye Care in Ontario and then at Wooster Eye Center, from which she retired in 2021. She was a devoted member of Grace Church in Ashland where she remained active in her faith. Joyce and Fred cherished their trips to the Dominican Republic, with the Christian Dominican Medical Mission where they helped to treat so many.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Fred Thomas of Ashland; three children, Jacob Thomas of Lakewood, Colorado, Molly (Ben) Sauder of Hudson, Ohio, and Samuel (Callie) Thomas of Thornville, Ohio; two grandchildren, Ari and Mia; six siblings, Carol (Ken) Stuter of Orrville, Paul (Sheila) Zuercher of Crossville, Tennessee, Stan (Kim) Zuercher of Crossville, Tennessee, Ron (Jackie) Zuercher of Wooster, Dan Zuercher of Cottonwood, Arizona and Steve (Lisa) Zuercher of Wooster; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Church, 1144 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805, with Reverend Dan Allan presiding. Following the service will be a time of fellowship and sharing in the circle at the church. Interment will be in the Hayesville Vermillion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian Dominican Medical Mission, https://www.cdmmission.org/ or Hospice of North Central https://www.hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com