Joyce E. Ohlin 1932-2025

She was born on Sept. 20, 1932, in Campbell, the daughter of Aleck and June Butcher Famor.

Her husband of 55 years, Rudy E. Ohlin, passed away in 2008.

Joyce leaves her seven children, Kathryn DeSenze, Russell (Leanne), Mary June Emerson (Larry Jaspers), Mark, Randy (Chris D’Amico), Ann Porter (Jim) and Teresa Cummings (Ken); her 15 grandchildren; and her six great-grandchildren.

Joyce grew up in Campbell and was a 1950 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, where she was active in sports and music, playing the violin. She also had the position of head majorette and choreographer.

In 1952, she was crowned Miss Campbell. Instead of going on to compete in the Miss Ohio contest for Miss America, she married the love of her life, Rudy, on June 26, 1953. Over the years, her marriage with Rudy was filled with many adventures, including moving to Arizona, where Rudy had invested in another lumber business in Payson. After two years, they relocated back to Ohio, spending several years on a farm in Unity, where she gave birth to her youngest daughter, Tina. Yes, that is seven children in nine years!

In 1964, the family moved to a 50-acre farm south of Boardman. During this time, Joyce became involved in farming and 4-H, where all seven of her children were members. In supporting 4-H, she helped as an advisor and eventually became involved with the Canfield Fair, Mahoning County Cooperative Extension Service, and the 4-H Pop Shop. She spent several decades alongside her good friend, Tony Carrera, building the Pop Shop from a tent to a full-scale restaurant. She was a Physical Education teacher at St. Charles in Boardman, where her children attended school.

In addition, she was involved with UNICEF for many years raising money at the Annual Boardman Park pumpkin carveout. She was also an avid bowler for many years. Her love of teaching and her deep faith inspired her ministry as an RCIA instructor and director at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown, where she also served as lector.

In 1988, Rudy built their dream home (named Paradise) on Springfield Road across from Lake Evans, where she lived out her remaining years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her only sister, Doris Lockshaw; and her son-in-law, Rodney Emerson.

Calling hours for Joyce will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, at Clemente Funeral Home in New Middletown with a funeral mass at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at St. Paul the Apostle Church.

The family would like to thank Sanctuary Hospice for all their care and support over the past year with special recognition to her nurse, Rosanne. They would also like to acknowledge Joyce’s primary private caregiver, Barb, for the wonderful attention and aid she gave her.

Please visit www.clementefuneralhomes.com.

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