Joyce Amanda Joy Baker

Joyce Amanda (Huffman) Joy Baker, 93, passed away on August 30, 2026, at her home in North Manchester, Indiana. She was born on December 3, 1932, in North Manchester, to Jesse and Anna (Feigley) Huffman. Throughout her long life she remained deeply connected to the community that shaped her and that she, in turn, served so faithfully.

A 1950 graduate of Central High School, Joyce began her working life at Oppenheim’s following graduation. She later worked for R-B-M and Tri-Wec before retiring from Invensys Controls Corporation in 1996 after 22 years of employment. Her years of work reflected a steady commitment, strong character, and the quiet dependability for which she was known.

Joyce’s life was also marked by devotion to family, community, and the history of her hometown. She was first married to Richard Middleton on October 5, 1952, and together they shared three children. She later married Dale Joy on August 21, 1999; he preceded her in death on November 15, 2013. On February 20, 2021, she married Richard “Dick” Baker.

In 2002, Joyce began volunteering at the Center for History in the Oppenheim building, the very place where she had begun working years earlier. That full-circle return spoke to her lasting affection for North Manchester and its story. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the North Manchester Historical Society, and the Center for History. She was also a member of the Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester. Joyce knew the history of North Manchester inside and out, and she shared that knowledge generously with others.

She will be remembered as a humble and giving mother and as a great mentor to those around her. Having learned from her mother, Joyce became a wonderful cook, especially known for her desserts. She was artistic with her hands and could even build furniture, a gift that reflected both creativity and determination. Earlier in life, she especially enjoyed camping with her children, making memories that remained an important part of her family’s story.

The loving memory of Joyce Joy Baker will be forever cherished by her husband, Richard “Dick” Baker, North Manchester; son, Randall (Linda) Middleton, North Manchester; daughters, Karen (Terry) Hewitt and Diane (Brian) Haupert, both of North Manchester; step-daughters, Susan (Kurt) Carver, Warsaw and Kristine (Jeffrey) Tucker, Claypool; grandchildren, Leslie (Steve Boisvert) Middleton, Mount Juliet, Tennessee and Robert Middleton, North Manchester; ten great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Joy; sisters, Ida Panzarella and Eva Stamate; and brother, Ross Huffman.

Family and friends may call Friday, September 4, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Joyce Joy Baker, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, Indiana 46962 or the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, Indiana 46992.

The family of Joyce Joy Baker has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.