Joyce L. (Sanderson) Heilshorn

Joyce Lynn (Sanderson) Heilshorn, 82, won her long battle with dementia when she was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior at 5:15am on February 20, 2025 at Genacross Lutheran Care Facility in Napoleon, Ohio.

She was born in Columbus, Ohio, on September 30, 1942 to George H. Sanderson and Betty Lou (Kelley) Sanderson. She was a 1960 graduate of Kenton High School. On December 10, 1961, she married Robert Heilshorn, a union which lasted 20 years. 

Joyce was a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance and taught Sunday School there to children for 16 years. From 1990 to 2001, she, along with her business partner, operated Chinese restaurants in both downtown Defiance and Archbold, OH. Always quick with a pun, she loved Westerns, Elvis, and had a strong love of animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed traveling, dining out, but most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her dry sense of humor and compassionate heart, but her lasting legacy is the solid faith in Jesus Christ she instilled in her five children.

She is survived her children, Timothy (Debbie) Heilshorn of Roanoke, IN, Nanci Heilshorn of Oakwood, Eric (Carlene) Heilshorn of Defiance, Victoria Heilshorn of Defiance, and Cynthia (Brent) Wiemken of Ney. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Sarah Heilshorn, Timothy Heilshorn, Jr., Danielle Vermillion, David Vermillion, Rachel Vermillion, Eric Heilshorn, Jr., Alicia Heilshorn, Samantha (Shane) Jackson, Cooper Wiemken and Casey Wiemken as well as two great-grandchildren; Dezmond and Allison, with another on the way. She is survived by two brothers; David (Carla) Sanderson of Cygnet, OH and Jeffrey (Robin) Sanderson of Hilliard, OH, as well.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George Sanderson, Jr., and two grandchildren; Erin Heilshorn and Katrina Krill.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 2:00-8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 27th at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. Joyce will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church. 

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