Joyce Loraine Sterwerf, 83, peacefully entered into Heaven on August 7.
Joyce was born February 24, 1940, to Elmer and Lillian Dossenback in Cincinnati.
At a young age she married the late Joseph “Little Joe” Sterwerf. They immediately moved to the country and eventually bought their farm in New Alsace. Joyce grew to love the country and life on the farm. There they raised six children and created life-long memories. Her children were her world, and she was proud to be their mom. This was evident to everyone who knew her.
Joyce was a very unselfish person. Her gentleness, grace and dignity were to be admired. After suffering a stroke five years ago, she became a resident at St. Andrews Health Campus. There it was common to find her in the hallway comforting someone by holding their hand, lending an ear or saying kind words to both the young and the old. She always looked out for a person in need and helped in any way she could. She was witty and often made people laugh. She was very determined in everything she did and always looked at the good in things.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her six children: Judy (Don) Gausman, Jerry (Terry) Sterwerf, Jeff (Shari) Sterwerf, James Sterwerf, Joan (Dave) Sharpshair and John (Sherri) Sterwerf; 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; a sister Diane (Jack) Miller, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends are welcomed to visit on Friday, August 11, at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Rosary is at 9:45am and visitation is from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Mass will begin at 1:00pm at St. John’s Catholic Church in Dover. For those unable to attend, Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Burial will follow at Gibson Cemetery in Bright. Memorials can be made to All Saints Parish. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.