Helen Joyce Meyers

Helen Joyce (Papke) Meyers, age 89, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died at her home on April 6, 2022. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, on December 19, 1932, to George and Lela (Cleland) Yeager.

Joyce grew up on Smead Avenue in Toledo, Ohio, and attended Scott High School. She married the first love of her life, Paul Papke, and had 3 boys, Walt, Paul, and Jim. After 31 years and Paul’s death, she married her second love, Bill Meyers. Joyce was a big influence on many people’s lives and her son’s friends called her mom. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Joyce was a member of the American Turners, Turners Woman’s Auxiliary, a dance group, German American Festival Society, Greater Beneficial Union, and the Ottawa River Yacht Club. She was also a member of Heatherdowns Garden Club and spent many years creating beautiful arrangements and gardens. Joyce also bowled on the Turners League.

Joyce was known for many things, but she was especially known for being hardworking, strong, and a vibrant woman. She was like a mom to all.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Walter (Barbara) Papke of Drummond Island and James (Elaina) Papke of Temperance, Michigan; daughter-in-law, Deborah (Papke) Rudicil of Toledo; grandchildren, Amanda Mills, Holly Whitney, Jody Papke, Jamie Papke, Kindra Papke, Michael Roach, and Dennis Cox; and fourteen beloved great-grandchildren; and one-great-great grandchild.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, George and Lela Yeager; brothers, Walter and Donald Yeager; husbands, Paul Papke and William Meyers; and son, Paul Papke.

A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date.