Joyce Rose Ryder, age 71, of Merrill, formerly of Sheboygan Falls, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at her residence after a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, while surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on February 26, 1951, to the late Marvin and Arlene (Strong) Moenning in Sheboygan Falls, WI.  Joyce attended and graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School before meeting the love of her life and best friend, Joseph Ryder.  The two exchanged marriage vows on August 14, 1971, in Sheboygan, WI.  They enjoyed every minute of their 51 years together.  He survives. Joyce worked as an office bookkeeper and with administration for most of her adult life, with various employers in the area, including Northcentral Healthcare, WJMT, Ministry Healthcare and Oasis Recovery, all in Merrill.  She loved being outdoors enjoying the fresh air and nature, especially camping, fishing, and hunting.  Joyce looked forward to their trips to Camp Holiday Campground.  She also enjoyed doing needlepoint, crocheting, knitting and cross stitch. Joyce volunteered her time with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Wisconsin Conservation Education Foundation.  Joyce is remembered for her hugs and contagious smile.  She had a deep love for her family, especially her bond with her daughters and granddaughters; they were her “blessings”.  Joyce was a woman of strong faith and had a true heart of gold.  She was a kind, giving and instinctive person that seemed to always know the right time to call.  Joyce was a member of Hillside Church in Merrill. She lived her life to the fullest with her family and although she will be missed, the memories created with her family will make them “happy when skies are gray”. 

Joyce leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 51 years: Joseph ‘Joe’ Ryder of Merrill, her daughters: Kelly (Brian) Thompson, with Leah, of Wausau and Rebecca (Brandon) Hunter of Merrill, 2 granddaughters: Allison and Madlyn Hunter, sisters: Donna Lampe and Gladys (Michael) Richards, both of Sheboygan, WI, as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister: Marlene Moenning, infant brother: Arthur and brother-in-law: Jerry Lampe.

The funeral service for Joyce will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 1pm at Hillside Church, 1501 North Pier Street, Merrill, WI.  Rev. Tom Edwards Jr. will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 10:30am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Burial at Bethany Cemetery in the town of Birch will take place the following day, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be directed to the Wisconsin Conservation Education Foundation, http://www.wiconservationfoundation.org. The family would like to thank the Aspirus Hospice team for their incredible support and care shown to Joyce and her family during her final days. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.