Joyce Lou Chavez

Joyce L. (Croff) Chavez passed away on November 7th at the age of 89. Joyce was born on November 8, 1935 in North Tonawanda, NY to Lawrence and Gladys (Hayes) Croff. As a young wife and mother she relocated from Buffalo to San Pedro Sula Honduras with her physician husband, Mauro E. Chavez, MD (OB/GYN) to open a medical practice . After a short time there they relocated to Larned, KS and finally to Indianapolis. Joyce was a stay-at-home mother, often shuttling her four active children to activities.

There were many memorable family trips to places such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. among others. As empty-nesters, Joyce and Mauro travelled to Greece, Wyoming, and Virginia. Joyce also loved to have Indy 500 parties and host family meals on the big holidays. With many family members serving time in the military, including several siblings and children, she had a great love and respect for military service members.

Joyce’s interests included a love of dancing (which she got her daughters involved in), ceramics, the military and her animals. She received a plaque from the USMC Reserves for the many ceramic beer steins that she made and donated for their retirees.

A longtime resident of Indianapolis, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her adoring husband, four of her five siblings (William, Linda Damon, Dennis, and Brenda), as well as several lifelong friends including Helene Charisse and Elise Manley. Joyce is survived by her four children: Tim (Peg), Lori (Fred “Shorty” Forsyth), Leslie, and Michael (Nancy); five grandchildren: Jason Chavez, Jennifer Chavez, Michael Forsyth, Matthew Chavez and Cameron Chavez; as well as many great- and great-greats; and her brother, John “Jack” Croff as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be at Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 700 38th St. Indianapolis. Visitation will be at 11a on Wed Nov 19, 2025 with service at 12p and burial at 1p all at Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Joyce’s family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Edgewater Woods where Joyce spent her final years.