C. Joyce Zimmerly, age 81, died on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, at 10:10 p.m. at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.

Joyce was born on Dec. 31, 1937, in Allen County, Ohio, to Ralph G. and Marian J. (Lyle) McElwain who preceded her in death. On Sept. 25, 1955 she married Glenn Eugene “Gene” Zimmerly and he preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 2013.

Joyce worked as a secretary for the Allen East Elementary School retiring after 19 years.  Joyce also worked for the Lima Public Library in LaFayette and volunteered at the Allen East Schools.  She was a member of the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church.  She was a member of the Friends Club in Lima and volunteered for the LaFayette Midget Football and Baseball Associations.  Joyce loved to crochet afghans with over 100 made and doing crossword puzzles. 

She is survived by her children: Kent (Rhonda) Zimmerly of Lakeview, Garry Zimmerly of Delaware, Mike (Teresa) Zimmerly of Lima, John Zimmerly of Lima and Angela (Brad) Richardson of Alger; 15 grandchildren: Andrea (Rich) Bryant, Jessica (Tony) Seymore, Joshua (Brittanie) Zimmerly, Brian (Jill) Zimmerly, Ashley (Ryan) Arn, Steven (Corey) Zimmerly, Jacob (Erin) Zimmerly, Mark (Liz) Zimmerly, John (Sierra) Zimmerly Jr, Taylor (Lance) Dear, Madison Zimmerly, Katelyn Richardson, Jaden Zimerly, Gabriel Zimmerly, Allyson Richardson; 20 great grandchildren; and a sister, JoAnn (Carl) Barhorst of Harrod.

Joyce was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert McElwain and a sister, Jean McElwain.

A funeral service was Monday, Aug. 5, at LaFayette Congregational Christian Church with Pastor Charles Moeller officiating. Burial was in LaFayette Cemetery, LaFayette. 

Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, handled the arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to LaFayette Congregational Christian Church at 205 W. Main St., LaFayette, Ohio 45854 and/ or Maple Crest, 700 Maple Crest Court, Bluffton, Ohio 45817 and/or Bridge Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio 45840.