Joyce A. Hilvers

Joyce A. Hilvers, 70, of Delphos passed away on July 27, 2021, at Vancrest Healthcare Center. She was born on October 23, 1950,  in Delphos, Ohio, the oldest daughter of Robert and Luella (Sawmiller) Grothouse.  Her father preceded her in death; her mother survives in Delphos.

Joyce is also survived by two daughters, Missy (Jeff Fleck) Poling of Spencerville, and Tina (Troy) Schmersal of Delphos; three sons, Jack (Chuck) Hilvers-Honigford of Delphos, Ian Hilvers of Lima, and Seth (Terry Steiner) Hilvers of Lakeview; 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jan (Dave) Hoffman of Delphos, Cindy (Dave Rabe) Schwinnen of Landeck, Patti (Jerry) Bonifas of Delphos, and Deb (Jay) Kundert of Delphos; four brothers, Bob L. Grothouse, Bill (Barb) Grothouse, Jim (Tracey) Grothouse, and Mark (Angie) Grothouse, all of Delphos.

She was preceded in death by her loving daughter Keri Mathison, her father Bob, and brother-in-law Gene Schwinnen.

Joyce was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, and a 1968 graduate of St. John’s High School.  She graduated in 1986 from Lima Technical College in the nursing program becoming an R.N.  She was an ICU charge nurse for many years at St. Rita’s Medical Center and loved taking care of others.  She was a member of the Delphos Eagles Aerie #471, the VFW post #3035, and the American Legion post #268. 

Reading was a favorite pastime of Joyce’s.  She also enjoyed gardening which she learned in 4-H.  In her high school years she devoted time to traveling to teach religion classes.    Her true passion in life was giving care and compassion to those in need.

 Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.  Father Charles Obinwa will officiate.  Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on that same day.  Burial will be at a later date. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Crisis Center or Nationwide Children’s Hospital.