Joyce Penrod

Joyce A. Penrod, 91, of Danville, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the day after celebrating her 91st birthday.

Born in Columbus, Indiana, on June 23, 1935, Joyce was the daughter of the late Owen and Florence (Shofner) Higgins and was the oldest of 10 children. She was also preceded in death by her husband Russell R. Penrod and her brother, Robert Higgins.

She graduated from Clayton High School with the Class of 1953, and that same year married her high school sweetheart, Russell R. Penrod. They were introduced by Russell's niece, who happened to be Joyce's best friend in school.

Together, Joyce and Russell built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion. She lovingly raised their four children while helping support the household by sewing and ironing. A gifted seamstress, Joyce made clothing for her children, crafted beautiful wedding gowns, and hand-stitched treasured quilts. In recent years, she often said the one thing she missed most was being able to quilt.

Joyce was the very definition of love, patience, and grace. She taught her children about Jesus not simply by taking them to church, but by faithfully living His teachings every day through her words, kindness, and actions. She read her Bible daily and found strength and peace in her faith throughout her life.

She was a dedicated homemaker, tended a large garden, canned vegetables, and believed that nothing should ever go to waste. She was never one to sit idle, often saying with a smile, "I was never bored a day in my life." She worked for Public Service Indiana from1970 to 1990.

Joyce embraced her husband's many interests, making them her own. When Russell coached softball, she faithfully kept the scoresheet. During their CB radio days, she proudly had her own radio handle. When they discovered a love for motorcycle touring, they traveled together through 49 of the 50 states—including Alaska, and parts of Canada and later flew to Hawaii where they considered renting a motorcycle to be able to say they saw all 50 states by motorcycle. After retiring, they spent much of the year in Florida where they enjoyed playing golf and fishing on the Chain of Lakes, where Joyce became known for cleaning the day's catch, much to the amazement of the other fishermen and their wives.

She loved watching a variety of sports but cheered loudest for Indiana University basketball, followed by the Indianapolis Colts, golf, and the Chicago Cubs.

Joyce was also an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading medical dramas. Above all, she cherished time with her family, whose lives were forever shaped by her steadfast love, quiet strength, and servant's heart.

She is lovingly remembered by her four children and their families: Jerri (Michael) Slocum, Judy (Ray) Neier, Daniel (Janet) Penrod, and Jo (John) Hinesley; 12 grandchildren, Chris Slocum, Jeff (Christie) Slocum, Rachael (Aaron) Phillips Alyea, Ashlee (Brandon) Craiger, Shelby (Brett) Cadwell, Whitney (Trent) Dahlstrom, Joseph (Kayelynn) Penrod, Sara Penrod, Rebecca Penrod, David (Gina) Lauman, Brittany Myers, and Stacy Cox; 28 great-grandchildren; and her 8 surviving siblings along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joyce's life on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Northview Christian Church in Danville. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Clayton Cemetery.

Though her hands are now at rest, the countless lives Joyce touched through her faith, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Her family finds comfort knowing she has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Northview Christian Church of Danville Indiana “For the One” campaign.