Joyce Kuempel

Joyce was born in Muncie, Indiana, on Wednesday, April 10th, 1940, the daughter of the late Leroy Gail and Hazel Mae (Silvers) Vandevender. After being graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1958, she attended Ball State University for one year before deciding to enlist in the United States Navy. She was stationed at the Naval Air station in Lemoore, California, serving as an Airman.

After her honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Joyce moved to Texas where she was graduated from the University of Texas in 1976. Joyce began her career in education, teaching kindergarten and 2nd grade at Barrington Elementary in Austin, Texas. Being a bit theatrical herself, it is no surprise that she felt one of her greatest accomplishments in education was building programs that enhanced the creativity and uniqueness of each child. After twenty-six years of impacting children, she retired from the Austin Independent School District. Following her lifework in teaching, she continued to help people by joining the Health and Human Services Department, later retiring from the State of Texas.

Having graduated from the University of Texas, Joyce was an avid fan of the Texas Longhorns football team. Joyce also enjoyed going to the Round Rock Express baseball games, traveling, and attending concerts. Along with enjoying White Russian drinks, Grandma Joyce also liked her weekly Chuy’s Mexican restaurant outings.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Hazel, and her beloved brother, Robert “Bobby” Vandevender.

She is survived by her three daughters, Meredith Kuempel, Leigh O'Connor and husband Joe, and Whitney Kuempel; seven grandchildren, Brendon Knapek and friend, Renee Johns, Cole Knapek, Hana Wakefield, Shelby Cain and wife, Kacy, Kyle O’Connor, Sophie O’Connor, and Tyler Acosta; one great-grandchild on-the-way, Crew Cain; and her friend and caregiver, Cindy Eyster. She is also survived by her nephew, Robert Vandevender II and friend, Nancy Purington, her nieces, Victoria Sander and husband, Scott, Jennifer Vandevender and friend, Troy Rhonemus, and Elizabeth Davis and husband, Randy, along with many friends.

The family would like to thank Atlas Hospice for their compassion and amazing care during a difficult time.

Friends and family may call on Friday, October 22, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304.

Graveside services will be on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Memorial Park with Military Rites conducted by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.