Joyce Ann Bathalter

Joyce Ann Fortune Bathalter, also known as “jfb”, died peacefully in her home January 25, 2021.  Joyce was born July 17, 1940, she was able to live independently and was very proud she could.  Joyce is survived by her four children: Lisa Bathalter Van Horn (Hart Van Horn), Tresa Bathalter Watson (William Watson), Tedd Bathalter Gagen and Joseph Sigmund Bathalter III; her eight grandchildren: Michele Van Horn Bloss, Tyler Van Horn (Kaylin), Maxwell Gagen, Charles Watson, Theo Gagen, Jack Watson, Bella Gagen and Bella Bathalter; and her great grandchild Scarlett Van Horn Bloss.

Joyce was born and raised in Fort Madison, Iowa.  She graduated from Fort Madison High School and quickly headed to the “big city” of Chicago, where she landed a prestigious job at a finance company, met and married the love of her life and Father of her four children.  Together they developed properties, as Joyce had a flair for design and Joe just liked using power tools and flying small aircraft.  Their greatest joint project was Founding the Flossmoor Montessori School which remains a thriving learning facility for young children following the philosophy of Maria Montessori.  The school was a realization of Joyce’s dream and is her legacy.  There is not a child that went to Joyce’s school untouched by her love and knowledge.  She was beyond grateful that four of her grandchildren were able to attend the Flossmoor Montessori School for their introduction to their education.

Joyce was a life-long learner and acquired her Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Xavier College for Psychology and Child Development, and a Master’s degree in Family Studies, all while raising her four children, enduring all the property improvement projects, and Founding a school for children. 

Joyce was witty and clever and never lost her sense of humor; her body failed her, but her mind was sharp as a tack.  Joyce was loved very, very much by many and will be missed but never forgotten.  A service is scheduled for July 17, 2021 (her 81st birthday) in Fort Madison, Iowa at the Sacred Heart Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her parents, grandparents, and her brother Ronnie.  There she will rest in peace and be home.  Joyce was always intent on finishing what she started, she was grateful for her beginnings and the lessons she learned and always took care of her family the best way she could. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

"Family Owned & Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com