Joyce grew up in Keene and graduated from Keene High School in 1953. She met her husband Dale Gress, at an ice cream social and they married soon after on April 24, 1955.
She worked at Novelty Advertising, Jackson TV and Appliance and worked alongside her husband for many years with his Real Estate and Auction Business.
Joyce was a longtime member of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church where she enjoyed attending Bible Study and Prayer Groups.
She was known for making the best Texas Sheet Cake; she loved reading and visiting the library in West Lafayette. She also enjoyed walking with the “Russell Avenue Walking Club” and spent many hours watching wild birds on feeders outside her windows, especially Orioles, Hummingbirds, and Woodpeckers.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Connie (Wilmer) Eckelberry, daughter-in-law, Diane Gress; grandchildren, Wendy (Matt) Croy, Amanda (Scott) Kelly, Ryan (Savannah) Gress; great-grandchildren, Casey Croy, Cody Croy, Connor Croy, and Emma Kelly, all who she had a very special bond with and were the light of her life. As well as nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dale Gress, who passed away on January 15, 2004, her loving son, Mark E. Gress who passed away on April 5, 2016, and her two siblings, Marilyn Eick and Jerry Casey.
The family would also like to give a special thank you to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care and Danbury Senior Living in Millersburg for their exceptional care; and Pastor John Bramley for his visits and pastoral care.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 12:00 pm with Pastor John Bramley officiating. Burial will follow at Fairfield Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Joyce’s name to the West Lafayette United Methodist Church or to the West Lafayette Historical Society.
An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.
