Joanne M. Boys, 87, passed away on Friday morning, December 3, 2021, at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka.
Born in Liberty Center (Henry County), Ohio, she was the daughter of Edna (Johnston) and R.D. Rigal, and the youngest of four children: Dr. R.D. (Joan) Rigal of Waterville, Ohio, Colleen Spiess of Liberty Center, Ohio, and her older (by 20 minutes) twin sister, Rosanne Rigal of Franklin, N.Y.
She graduated from Liberty Center High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio. Joanne met Michael D. Boys at Defiance College. They married in Liberty Center on July 28, 1957. They have five children: David Michael (Annette) Boys of Goshen, IN, Samuel Alfred (Tammy) Boys of Plymouth, Angela Marie (Gene) Mills of Mishawaka, Benjamin Rigal Boys of Ann Arbor, MI, and Thomas (Julie) Boys of Plymouth. Their family is blessed with 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Joanne taught elementary school in Bryan, Ohio, Liberty Center, Ohio, and two years in Plymouth’s old Washington School. Besides teaching and parenting she was a library aide for 10 years at both the old and the new Webster Schools.
Before retiring in 2000 she served at First United Methodist Church for 17 years as Christian Education Coordinator and Assistant to the pastor(s). Joanne was a lifelong Methodist and had decided that her life’s purpose was to love God with all her heart, soul, and mind and to love her neighbors as herself (Matthew 22:37).
She believed that all persons are created equal and have been given by their creator the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (The Declaration of Independence).
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law, Gareld Spiess and Rev. Vernon Jones.
Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021, at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 or Center for Hospice Care 112 S. Center St. Plymouth IN 46563.
Ruth VanVactor says
Joanne was one of the sweetest, most caring people we have met. She epitomized the meaning of being a Christian. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Jon and Ruth VanVactor
Mary (Brown) Warren & Jim Brown says
Mike Boys Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Joann!
I will always remember living down the street from you as a kid on oak road. My favorite memories were of playing with all the kids. May you feel comfort in this time of great sadness in your life. God Bless you All!
Mary Brown Warren
&
Jim Brown
Ed Barcus says
Mike, Tom and Families,
Sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. Such a sweet, caring and kind lady. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of her. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Kevin and Donna Chaney says
Offering our condolences in Joanne’s passing. She was a lovely person with a positive caring attitude and a smile to greet everyone she encountered.
Rita Beck says
My deepest condolences to all of the family. Joanne was such a caring ang giving woman. Always had a smile and hug for everyone. She will be missed by so many. Praying for all.
Rita Beck says
My deepest condolences to all of the family. Joanne was such a caring ang giving woman. Always had a smile and hug for everyone. She will be missed by so many. Praying for all.
Pam Badell Fasteen says
I am so sorry to see this. Mrs. Boys was a wonderful person and a true Christian example for the lives of so many.
Dennis & Francie Beville says
Mike and family
We are sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. What a wonderful Lady and a friend to everyone. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. Our prayers and Blessings for you and your family.
Dennis & Francie Beville
Laura Rigal says
Dear Angela, Dave, Sam, Ben and Tom,
I loved Aunt Josie. She was a wonderful, loving aunt to me and to all of us cousins. She had a beautiful smile and such a warm heart, open to everyone. I am thinking about you this week. Sending you hugs and much love — Laura
Michael D Boys says
Thank you for your kind words. She loved everyone especially her family.
May God Bless you and your family. Mike
Ken Fox says
I am so sorry to hear this … I hope God blesses you all with His peace.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
We send you our deepest sympathy. Joanne was such a sweet lady. She was very kind to everyone. “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.
Most sincerely,
Ren and Beverly
Van Gilder 🌷
Mark and Donna Frushour says
Dave,Annette,Mike & Family
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Joanne.
She was a great lady and will be missed
by All that were lucky to have met her.
Barbara Pearson says
To Mike and Family,
We are so sorry to learn to learn of Joanne’s passing. Her big smile and kind words will be missed by all but we know she is in a better place and you will meet her there again one day.
Praying for your comfort at this difficult time.
Jerry and Barbara Pearson
Michael D Boys says
Thank you ever so much for your kindness and friendship. May God Bless you. Mike Boys
Kurt Kelsey says
Joanne was like a second Mom to me. As a teenager, I spent A LOT of time at their home, being Sam’s best friend. She was a loving and a beautiful soul, and she always made me feel welcomed. May the Good Lord bless and keep you Joanne! Heaven is receiving a “good one”. To all the Boys family, I love you all and I share in your grief. Your Mom will be greatly missed. ❤️❤️
Janet Smith says
Mike and family,
Joanne will be remembered as a very kind, loving, giving lady. Always greeted with her smile. Blessings to you at this very difficult time.
Ron & Janet Smith
Michael D Boys says
Thank you ever so much for your kindness and friendship. May God Bless you. Mike Boys
Michael D Boys says
Thank you ever so much for your kindness and friendship. May God Bless you. Mike Boys
Greg & Milene Jeffirs says
Dear Mike, Sam, Tammy, Dave, Angie, Ben, Tom, & all your families, please know you are in our hearts and prayers. Joanne was a wonderful person and will be missed by all hat knew her. Love and blessings to you all. Greg & Milene
Michael D Boys says
Thank you ever so much for your kindness and friendship. May God Bless you and your family.
Charlene Jensen says
Mike, My sincere condolences to you and your family. Joann was such a wonderful person to know and have as a friend. Her beautiful smile and caring way will be missed by so many. God bless you and your family. Sincerely. Charlene
Michael D Boys says
Thank you, Charlene – – you are a good friend. Yes she will be missed her and it will be a sad Christmas for us but we know that she has the greatest gift of all as she was called home to be with God. I know that when she was met by Jesus with his arms wide open he said “well done, good and faithful servant”.
Melissa Christiansen says
Thinking of you all during this sad time. Mrs. Boys always offered words of encouragement and kindness. Her positive outlook was an inspiration to me. We are all blessed to know her!
Michael D Boys says
Thank you ever so much for your kindness and friendship. May God Bless you.
Bob & Donna Taber Whitmer says
Dear Mike & Family,
Our sincere condolences! Joanne was a sweetie and she will be missed by so many. May she Rest In the Peace of our Lord.
Michael D Boys says
Thank you ever so much for your kindness and friendship. May God Bless you.
Wayne and Shsron Fisher says
Dear Sam n Family
Wayne and I are so sorry to hear about your Mothers passing. We are sending our thoughts n Prayers to you n your Family. We have never forgotten your time as our Pastor at our church. Your kindness and compassion I am sure instilled by your Mother and Father. God Bless You and your family.
Jeff Spiess says
Dear Uncle Mike, Dave, Sam, Angela, Ben, Tom, and all they love,
I am so saddened by Joanne’s death. She was a loving and amazingly happy woman, and I have so many fond memories of time spent with her.
Pat and I regret that we will be away this weekend so we will not be able to join you in celebrating her life. Please know you are in our thoughts.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. You are each precious to me.
Donna and Jim Burroughs says
Dear Mike and Family,
Condolences on the passing of Joanne. She was the kindest, sweetest lady and a friend to all. She will be missed!
Linda Langfeldt says
What a lady🎈🎈🎈Joanne helped to start our book club. Each year she created original art or something with her special touch on it. The other talent that stands out to me was her God given talent to work with youth at our church. We had the best programs when she was in charge. Joanne was so good at making sure that all of the kids were a part of the group.
I can’t imagine the groups Joanne with me without her.
Prayers for all of you!!
Jamie Greenlee says
Mrs Boys was a awesome lady. RIP my friend
Dianne Lebron says
Sam I just want to say
I have been thinking of your mother each day. I don’t know her
but in my heart I feel that I do.
Because of the wonderful things a mother can bring. And the faith and strength just being apart of the chapel.
ISAIAH
40:31
Barb Lowry says
Mike,
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for your loss of one beautiful lady. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met. May you be comforted by good friends, good memories and your faith during this sad time. Prayers and peace,
Barb and Bub Lowry
Davenport, FL
Brad E Beatty says
i won’t be able to attend today’s services….please know we are praying for your family and are deeply saddened by your loss.
Michael D Boys says
Thank you for your kind words. She loved everyone especially her family.
May God Bless you and your family. Mike Boys
Clara V Woolley says
For the Boys Family:
While I have had contact with many of your family in different ways, I am quite saddened by Joanne’s leaving us. She truly lived the Christian life, and her smile and sincereness will be missed. Please know you are being thought about and supported with prayer.
Michael D Boys says
Thank you for your kind words. She loved everyone especially her family.
May God Bless you and your family. Mike Boys
Gloria Buzzard says
Joanne touched so many lives in such a positive way. DeVon and Herta Thomas were proud to be friends. Whenever I saw her, she made me feel peaceful.
Michael D Boys says
Thank you for your kind words. She loved everyone especially her family.
May God Bless you and your family. Mike