Joyce E. Plante, 92, of Culver, IN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Wynnfield Crossing in Rochester, Indiana.
Joyce was born to Clurel and Nelllie (Shively) Mikesell on June 5, 1930, in Fulton County. She grew up on a farm outside Leiters Ford and loved helping her father on the farm. She was a proud graduate of Aubbeenaubbee Township High School. On May 9, 1953, Joyce married John P. Plante, Jr. at Mt Hope Church. They soon moved to Culver were they remained living and working throughout their lives.
Joyce retired from Culver Academies after 28 years of service in various roles from administrative support, purchasing, and bookstore clerk. She was an avid gardener, loved canning, and was a talented crafter and knitter. She loved to make things and always had something she was working on. She and John spent several years wintering in Frostproof, FL, where they made great friendships and enjoyed the active community.
Joyce had a deep independent spirit and strength. She began losing her vision in 2005 and was legally blind by 2013. She faced other health complications yet remained adamant to stay in her home where she felt comfortable. This would not have been possible without the loving support and caregiving provided by Marlene Mahler, Betty and Stan Reinholt, and niece, Debra (Miller) Dieterlen. She lived by herself up until October 2022, when she was hospitalized with Covid. Needing some extra help, she moved into Wynnfield Crossing in Rochester, Indiana. While the adjustment was great, she pushed through learning new routines and received outstanding care from their staff and from Gentiva Hospice.
Joyce is survived by her grandson: Peter (Kellie) Manzuk of Plymouth, IN, granddaughter: Andrea (Charles Rayder) Manzuk of Chandler, AZ, grandson: David Plante of Elkhart, IN, 9 great-grandchildren, and her cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Plante, Jr., daughter, Gloria (Plante) Hinton, son, Wayne Plante, sisters, Agnes (Mikesell) Kline and Betty (Mikesell) Miller, and her parents, Clurel and Nellie (Shively) Mikesell.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be held at Culver Masonic Cemetery, Culver, IN, on July 29, 2023 at 10:00 am EST with luncheon to follow at Pretty Lake Trinity United Methodist Church, 8985 S State Road 17, Plymouth. The family invites you to share in this celebration of Joyce’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Aubbeenaubbee Township Trustee, Box 505, Leiters Ford, IN 46945.
Condolences may be sent via the obituary page at www.odomfuneralhome.net.
The Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is honored to be caring for the family.
