Joyce Mae Hoover

STOW - Joyce Mae Hoover, 92, of Stow, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.

Born April 1, 1933, in Washington, D.C., to Carl and Mildred Stone, Joyce grew up in the D.C. and Maryland area. Joyce cherished time with her family, particularly trips to the beach, and developed a lifelong love for animals, caring for pets of all kinds.

While attending the University of Maryland, Joyce met Richard Hoover, the love of her life, who was stationed at Fort Belvoir. They were married on April 4, 1953, in Washington, D.C., and later moved to Ohio, eventually settling in Hudson to raise their six children. As their children grew and began families of their own, Joyce and Richard moved to Silver Lake, where they continued to build a welcoming home. Even as their family spread out, they made regular trips to visit, enjoying the chance to watch their grandchildren grow and encouraging them in their activities and interests, remaining active and present in their lives.

Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was shaped by her deep faith and unwavering love for her family. Gentle and quiet by nature, she always seemed to know the right moment to share words of wisdom or encouragement. She found joy in reading, working on jigsaw puzzles, and faithfully attending church each week.

Joyce was a decades-long member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hudson. Her cooking was especially treasured by her family. Whether preparing a holiday feast, contributing her signature Hoover potato salad to a picnic, or bringing a sweet treat to a family gathering, her meals were an expression of love that drew everyone together. With her calm and reassuring presence, Joyce made her home a place of comfort and warmth, and her greatest joy was found in time spent with her ever-growing family. Her love for animals, too, lives on as a cherished part of her legacy, embraced and carried forward by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who continue to honor her example of compassion, kindness, and care for animals.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mildred Stone; her brother, William Carl Stone; her daughter, Diane Hoover, and her beloved husband, Richard Hoover.

Joyce is survived by her sister, Sherry Miles; her children, Keith (Kathleen) Hoover, Susan (Andrew) Ballauer, Patricia (David) Tatem, Barbara (David) Straka, and Brenda (Robie) Brantley; her grandchildren, Sarah (Russ) Ballauer-Dowdy, Todd Forquer, Thomas (Victoria) Ballauer, Kristen (David) Hoover Boutton, Charles (Jessica) Straka, Derek (Lauren) Brantley, Jana Price, Stephen (Shana) Straka, and Kevin (Emma Jones) Hoover; as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

Joyce’s life was a testament to quiet strength, enduring faith, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received from 9:30 - 10:30 AM, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2113 Ravenna Street, Hudson, OH 44236. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM.

It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.