Meriam Joyce Gaver, 84, of Mechanicsburg, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
She was born November 11, 1938, in Champaign County, the daughter of Elmer and Mildred Travis. Joyce graduated from Mechanicsburg High School class of 1956, where she was a varsity cheer leader and National Honor Society member. She married the love of her life Rodney Max to whom she had been married for 20 years. She retired from Mercy Memorial Hospital and Women’s Reformatory.
She was a long-time member of the Mechanicsburg United Methodist Church, where she sung in choir, attended bible study and was a former treasure for the church. She was also active in Emmaus and Kairas. She enjoyed classical music and old Disney. In her older years she enjoyed watching tv and doing puzzle books. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and going to her kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events.
Joyce is survived by her children, Jacqueline (Barry) Callicoat, Roderick (Angie) Gaver, Scott (Cheryll) Gaver, Matthew (Michelle) Gaver; grandchildren, Tyler (Erin) Durand, Amy (Daniel) Cooper, McKenzie Callicoat, Todd (Racheal) Gaver, Natalie (Josh) Gaver, Lacie (Ryan) Gaver, Steph (Dominic) McClain, Liz (Mike) McDaniel, Emily Gaver, Bailey Gaver, Brition and Tayden Whitaker, Corey and Emily Ervin; great grandchildren, Elizabeth (Drew Vanvoorhis) Durand, Victoria Durand, Addilynn Durand, Stella Durand, Makayla Ryder, Madison Gaver, Grayson Gaver, Adrian Gaver, Keegan Freeze, Remy Toney, Briella Davis, Piper Davis, Jace Harmon, Axel Harmon, Lillian Harmon, Austin McClain, Micah McClian, Nevaeh Huffman, Diego, Santiago and Amara Hernandez, Evan McDaniel, Cade McDaniel, Amaya Whitaker, Harley Kindle, Adlee Whitaker, Marleyna, Corey, Emily and Capri Ervin; a great great grandchild; siblings, Art Travis, Dennis Travis, Margaret Welch, Tootie (Bob) Welch, Pam (Steve) Gallimore; sister in law Deborah Travis, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Gaver; brother Bruce Travis; brother-in-law Cork Welch; sister-in-law Jeannie Travis; and son-in-law James (Sam) Durland; step grandson Shane Harmon.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 11, in the Skillman, McDonald & Vernon Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg, with Pastor Mimi Ault officiating. The family will receive friends 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Maple Grove Cemetery, Mechanicsburg, Ohio.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.
