Joyce Ann (Goffena) Hilgefort,

Age 84, formerly of Canal Street, Newport, passed away of natural causes Monday afternoon, December 28, 2020, at the Heritage Manor Nursing Center in Minster, Ohio. She was born September 14, 1936, in Mendota, Illinois, to the late Bryan & Clara (Francis) Goffena. On May 11, 1957, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Newport, Joyce married Lester J. Hilgefort who preceded her in death on February 21, 2015. Surviving are three of four children: Bruce Hilgefort of Sidney, Connie & Dale Schrader of Versailles, Russell & Tami Hilgefort of Seymour, TN, and Joseph Brian Hilgefort (dec.); eight of nine grandchildren: Allen (dec.), Brian, Tamara, and Alex Hilgefort, Julie & Kevin Whitmer, Dr. Kate Schrader & Dr. Aileen Newmyer, Daniel & Rachel Schrader, Michael & Sarah Hilgefort and Kristina Hilgefort along with numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Gariety of Piqua and Joan May of Florida; sisters & brothers-in-law: Marge Francis of Cincinnati, Edna Ahlers of St. Marys, Marge Hilgefort of Fort Loramie and Phyllis Sherman of Minster as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two siblings, Rosie & Paul Brandewie and Richard Francis; brothers & sisters-in-law: James Gariety, Cletus & Audry Hilgefort, Eugene Ahlers, Eileen & Paul Ahlers, Vernon Hilgefort and Lester Sherman.

Joyce was a 1954 graduate of Russia High School. She retired from Piqua Wheel Alignment and Body Shop where she had been office manager and part owner. Many years ago, she worked at the former Minster Cannery. Joyce was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Ladies Sodality. She was a church organist for a while and a long-time choir member. She had also been a member of Walkup Country Club. Joyce was an avid bowler. She also enjoyed playing cards and RV travel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Newport with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Friends may call Friday 3:00 to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie. Due to recent local outbreaks of COVID-19, use of face masks and social distancing will be critically necessary at all funeral rites. Memorials may be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad. Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.