Joyce Cripe, 84, South Bend, passed away suddenly and went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, March 6, 2016. She was born to the late Gordon J. and Thelma L. Schock on July 28, 1931, in South Bend. She graduated in 1949 from Mishawaka High School. She was united in marriage on Oct. 15, 1949, to Robert J. Cripe in Mishawaka.

Joyce adored spending time with her children and many grandchildren. Looking forward to hosting the holidays, Joyce spoiled her family with love, baked right into her homemade cookies. At the age of 10, she began her 74 year long journey to become a master seamstress, expanding to the art of crochet, and beautiful cross-stitching. After retiring, she enjoyed wintering for 17 years at Ormond Beach, Fla. Her unconditional love, contagious positive energy, and the laughter that would warm your soul will be great missed and cherished within our memories.

After decades of gratifying work in Avon Sales, her natural ease connecting with people, and dedication, honored Joyce many awards.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the neighbors and church members, their attentive and genuine warmth after the passing of her husband, truly touched Joyce in the last few months of her life.

Mrs. Cripe is survived by three daughters: Kathy (Jim) Mangus, South Bend; Diana (Dean) Wade, Syracuse; Susan (Patrick) Hudkins, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; son: Robert Charles Cripe, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister: Pam Waidner, Mishawaka; and brother: Richard (Noreen) Schock, Granger. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Avis (Royal) Bechtoff, Sarasota; and Nancy (Chris) Singleton, Niles, Mich. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bob Cripe; and brother: Larry Schock.

Funeral services will be held at Noon, Friday, March 11, at Community Baptist Church, South Bend. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, and one hour prior to the services at church Friday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joyce Cripe may be offered to Community Baptist Church where she had been a member for fifty years.