Vera Joy Deckard

Vera Joy Deckard, 89, passed away peacefully with family surrounding her at Silver Oaks Health and Rehab Center in Columbus on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Joy Deckard of Columbus, formerly of Ogilville, was born on June 30, 1935. She was the daughter of Thelma Garlock of Freetown, IN. She married Louis Deckard (formerly of Bloomington) in 1955 in Columbus.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louie, on May 24, 2013; and her son, Kevin L. Deckard of Anchorage, AK, on July 26, 2013.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie D. Weiler of North Vernon, IN, Leah D. Hallett (husband David Hallett) of Bargersville, IN and Lisa D. Stiffler (husband Bill Stiffler) of Seminole, FL. She has five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Joy was happiest on her farm planning in her huge garden and tending to all her gorgeous flowers. She was the glue that ran the large family farm in Ogilville, IN for most of her life. Joy served in multiple areas around the county and state. She was the secretary of the National American Diabetes Association of Indianapolis and the secretary of the Southwest Volunteer Fire Department for many years. She also served as the office manager of her husband's Tool and Die business, Kay Manufacturing for many years.

Joy volunteered for the Arts of Columbus and was previously an active member. She was a very creative person with talents in painting, ceramics, decorative gourds, and wood burning. She won 1st place in the 4-H fair contest for her ceramic pitchers and basins. She loved learning new and creative artistic designs. She and classmates worked tirelessly creating a photo collage book and many ceramic bulldogs for her class of 1953 Columbus High School reunions. Joy was also talented at playing the organ and singing throughout her life. She was a member of the Ogilville Church of Christ and First Christian Church of Columbus.

She would often write diabetic recipes for the Republic Newspaper. She started the Juvenile Diabetes Association of Columbus, IN and lobbied to have diet drinks added to fast food chain menus in the local area at the time.

There will be a private ceremony to celebrate her life and talents by her daughters and immediate family.

Memorials in Joy’s name are suggested to the Bartholomew County Humane society.

Please leave a fond memory of Joy at www.Hathaway-Myers.com.

Hathaway-Myers Chapel on Pearl St. is serving the Deckard family.