V. Joyce Ward, of Troy, passed away December 12, 2025 surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life. She was born on July 9, 1940, in Athensville, Illinois, to the late Russell E. and Cornelia (Standridge) Stone.

Joyce was a woman of deep faith, boundless energy, and unforgettable presence. Above all else, she loved the Lord. She made it her personal mission to share the salvation she found in Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen—and even with those who hadn't planned on listening yet. Joyce boldly witnessed her faith wherever she went, often going door to door, speaking to strangers with the same passion and care she gave to family and friends. She wanted everyone she encountered to know the love, hope, and redemption she herself knew so well.

Joyce was truly the life of the party. Her laughter and silliness filled rooms, her stories brought people together, and her warmth made everyone feel welcome. She cultivated relationships intentionally and faithfully, checking in, showing up, and loving people well. Because of this, she was surrounded by countless friends, supporters, and loved ones—people whose lives were better simply because Joyce was part of them.

She was also a devoted sports fanatic, cheering loudly and loyally for her beloved Cleveland Browns and the Indiana Fever.

Joyce was a member of Tipp City Baptist Church and a long-time volunteer with Hospice, serving others with compassion and grace. Joyce (AKA Little Bit) also participated in the Silver Sneakers program at the YMCA for decades and lived a life marked by caring for others, both professionally as a healthcare giver and personally as a friend, mentor, and encourager.

She is survived by her daughters, Carla J. (Jason) Rench of Texas and Rhonda "Roni" S. Ward (Forshee) of Florida; her grandson, Blake M. (Danielle) Ward; and her grandchildren, Justin C. Williams, Cory L. Lambert, Hunter J. Lambert, Jessica Joy Williams, Summer Joy, Cole A. Rench, and Kira A. Rench; as well as great-grandchildren: Peyton, Maxwell, Kaiden, Calliope, Piper, Abigail, Elijah, Roselyn, and Jaxson. She is also survived by her sister, Claudena (David) Daniels of Illinois; her brother, Gayle R. (Ellie) Stone of North Carolina; Sister/Niece, Carol Squibb, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Ward, in 2004; her son, James D. Ward III; her daughter, Joy Weber; and her sisters, Rosemary Stone, Wanda Farrar, and Imogene Lovekamp.

Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy, with Pastor Reggie Osborne officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Miami County. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Ohio's Hospice of Miami County
3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373
Web: https://hospiceofmiamicounty.org