Mary Joyce (Bombich) Frantz

Mary Joyce (Bombich) Frantz passed away February 1, 2026, in her residence in Troy, Ohio. She was a loving mother to Jacob Frantz and Emily (Adam) McClure. She loved her grandchildren more than anything, and she was able to help Emily take care of her sons Rhydian and Corbin while enjoying visits with Jacob’s sons Hudson and Reeve in New York City. She is survived by her sister Barbara (Rob) VanDewoestine, whom she loved to give trouble to, aided by her other surviving sister Lois Jaques. She was a dear friend to her sister-in-law Carol Jean (Nick) Bellomo, and that close relationship lasted even after the too- soon death of Mary Joyce’s loving husband, David Frantz. We can’t think of Mary Joyce without thinking of her dedication to her family. She is also survived by six nieces and two nephews, four great-nephews and eight great-nieces, and many cousins, all of whom will miss her infectious smile and her contagious laugh. She is preceded in death by her husband David Frantz, parents Henry Bombich and Ann (Vukelich) Bombich, David’s parents Galen and Dorothy (Roeder) Frantz, and her brother-in-law Tom Jaques.

Mary Joyce was born on February 14, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Her family moved out of the city to Cedar Lake, Indiana, where she and her sisters had plenty of space to play, run, and (of course) get into trouble. Mary Joyce had no fear – she was the one who rode her tricycle down the steep hill in the back yard and lived to tell about it. Mary Joyce and her sisters spent countless hours (from their point of view, anyway) picking beans, tomatoes, fruit, and anything else their father Hank grew in his garden to sell at their roadside stand or to feed their family through the winter. When they were done picking, they learned to can and freeze and cook. Her extended family would enjoy the fruits of her learning, especially when she brought delicious homemade pies to family gatherings. As a dedicated 4-Her, she also learned to sew, and she used her talents to make Jacob and Emily’s Halloween costumes.

Mary Joyce’s love of music and drama surfaced early as she participated in plays, dance recitals, and piano concerts, usually dressed in a costume or dress designed and made by her mother Ann. That passion did not fade when she attended Manchester College, where she was involved in the college’s theater productions, often displaying her talents in lead roles. It was during that time that she met and fell in love with David, to whom she was married for almost twenty-nine years. Mary Joyce and David continued to pursue their love of theater after they graduated, performing in summer stock productions at the Wagon Wheel in Warsaw, Indiana.

Mary Joyce was a born caregiver. In addition to raising two amazing children, she made a career out of helping those in need. She taught junior high school and high school at various times during her life and worked as a social worker for many years, helping young people become nurturing caregivers to their own children. When David became ill, she spent countless hours ensuring his life was meaningful and fulfilling until the end. She also took care of her parents, Hank and Ann, full-time for many years until the end of Ann’s life. Ann loved to listen to Mary Joyce read to her, especially because Mary Joyce read all of the characters with different voices.

Mary Joyce loved expansively. She laughed often, whether at herself or at someone else’s joke. She gave selflessly. Many thanks to all the caregivers at Storypoint in Troy and Dayton City Hospice. Her family will celebrate her life on her birthday – Saturday, February 14, 2026 – from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at TJ Chumps, 7050 Executive Boulevard, Huber Heights, Ohio 45424. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Condolences also may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.