Joyce Leighner

Joyce E. Leighner, 88, of Rockford, Ohio died early Friday morning, November 7, 2025, at Tranquility of Rockford. She was born May 2, 1937 in Van Wert County, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Harold E. and Gertrude E. (Conrad) Etzler.

On January 8, 1972 Joyce married Ray A. Leighner, who preceded her in death on August 14, 1998.

Joyce was a graduate of Convoy Union High School. She was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Willshire, Ohio, and served on the Ladies Aid Committee at the church. Joyce was also an avid gardner and homemaker.

Surviving are one son, Mick (Kimberly) Leighner of West Milton, Ohio; two daughters, Loretta (Daniel) Hays of Mendon, Ohio and Jill (Scott) Luginbill of Willshire, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Etzler and Nancy Leighner; and six grandchildren, Brayton Luginbill, Dakota Hays, Emma Leighner, Derek Leighner, Noah Leighner, and Abby Leighner.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Ray, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd W. Etzler; brothers-in-law, Roy Leighner, Howard (Olive) Leighner, and Harold Leighner; and her sisters-in-law, Harriet (Max) Thomas, Lois (Ralph) Yeager, and Ruthilene Wilson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday morning, November 13, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 17434 Schumm Road, Willshire, Ohio 45898, with Pastor Hayden Folks officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

The family will receive friends and family from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882. They will also receive friends and family one hour prior to the funeral service, 10:00 am until 11:00 am Thursday November 13, 2025 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 17434 Schumm Road, Willshire, Ohio 45898.

Memorial contributions in Joyce's memory may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 17434 Schumm Road, Willshire, Ohio 45898.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.