Joyce Jean SHEETS

19 APR 1930 - 3 MAR 2022

• BIRTH: 19 APR 1930, Fulton, Callaway County, Missouri
• DEATH: 3 MAR 2022, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N31598] Joyce Jean Sheets Dieckgrafe
April 19, 1930 - March 3, 2022

Her life began April 19, 1930 in Fulton, MO. and ended peacefully at home in South Bend, IN on March 3, 2022 at 91 years young. Joyce was one of six children given by God to William (Warner) Sheets and Hazel Evans Sheets. She is preceded in death by her husband, one son, Thomas, and by all her siblings; Billy, Zetta, Jimmie, Lee Kenneth, and Charles - who she adored. She had many nieces, nephews, and cousins and loved them all dearly. She married Eugene R. Dieckgrafe in 1954 and was blessed with three children of her own; James T. Dieckgrafe (SB) Cynthia E.(Indi) Dieckgrafe (Kevin Dreyer, SB), Thomas H. Dieckgrafe (Wichita, KS, deceased). Joyce later was thrilled with four grandchildren; Ryan E. Dieckgrafe (Kansas City, KS), Natalie R. Dreyer (Newark, NJ), Lydia G. Dreyer (SB), Wilhelmena J. Dreyer (SB) and recently a great grandchild Rhett Elliott Dieckgrafe, born to Ryan and Amy in Kansas on October 4, 2021. With Eugene being a career soldier in the USAF, she lived many places. She travelled the world with Charlie and his wife Nita during the last fifty years of her life and moved to South Bend from Kansas in 1990 to help care for her granddaughters. As they grew older she made room in her home and her heart for other Gran babies that she helped raise. With the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend she was instrumental in the nursery, with “Family at Heart,” and a mission trip to Malawi Africa, at age 75. Everywhere she went many people called her “Gran” and all people and animals loved her and she will be missed by everyone. Joyce held family, friends, and pets in high regard. Her pets included many dogs, cats, horses, and birds all of whom are with her in heaven now. Joyce Jean’s other interests included ND Sports, racing, the performing arts, museums, and eating fine food and sweets. Her smile and sense of humor shall never be forgotten. R.I.P. “Sook”. The family wishes to thank the team at the Center for Hospice Care for their kindness and good will. Thanks to her best friend “Keeper” and her last friend Sarah for caring for and loving Joyce during the last months of her life. Memorial contributions can be made to the Potawatomi Zoo or an animal care organization of your choice.
Posted online on March 08, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune