Joyce Paddock

Joyce Paddock, 83, of Oblong, IL, peacefully completed her earthly journey on February 14, 2025, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. Though her departure on Valentine’s Day seems fitting for someone with a heart as big as hers, her family has lovingly renamed it Granny’s Day in her honor.

Born on April 18, 1941, in Hammond, IN, Joyce grew up in Landes, IL, before her family eventually settled in Robinson when her father found work at Marathon. She adored her dad—despite his unfortunate loyalty to the Chicago Cubs—while she remained a steadfast St. Louis Cardinals fan. In fact, Joyce never missed a game, her enthusiasm growing even stronger over the last decade. She especially loved the iconic Clydesdales, which, like her, were a symbol of strength and grace.

After graduating from Robinson High School in 1959, Joyce embarked on her next adventure, moving to Chicago, where she trained as a reservation control agent for American Airlines. Her career came with the incredible perk of flying for free, and Joyce took full advantage. She explored the world, falling especially in love with Italy, which remained her favorite destination. After moving back to Robinson following her divorce, she worked as a travel agent for Weber Tours and Travel, often serving as a tour guide and sharing her love of travel with others. Cruises, European tours, and tropical getaways were all part of the itinerary, and she delighted in bringing others along for the ride.

Back home, Joyce’s house was always full of love and laughter. A night owl in every sense of the word, she loved to wake up to a good Bloody Mary around 4:00 p.m. For years, she spent innumerable hours reading everything from Nicholas Sparks to true crime stories, before streaming services led her to binge-watch TV shows like 48 Hours or Chicago Fire . She had a soft spot for movies like Titanic and Dirty Dancing (or, for that matter, any film featuring Patrick Swayze, obviously.) And while she loved mysteries and mob movies, nothing thrilled her more than Elvis Presley— American Trilogy was her anthem, which she’d blast at full volume while playing the air drums and air horn with gusto!

Joyce’s two cats, Wayno and Yadi, were her constant companions, and her family lovingly dubbed her a “crazy cat lady.” She was her grandkids’ best friend, passing down her love of fishing at family ponds and taking them along on countless adventures. Though strong and resilient, she was also nurturing and selfless, always putting her family first. A dedicated mother and “Aunt Granny” to all, Joyce poured her wisdom, affection, and, yes, orneriness into her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was their rock—the firm foundation on which their lives were built. Known for her wit and sass, she could lovingly flip you off one minute and offer a listening ear and kind word the next. She never took life too seriously, yet she always knew what truly mattered.

She believed in forgiveness, but with boundaries. In strength wrapped in gentleness. And in living with joy, no matter what life threw her way. When she left Todd and Jenny’s house, her parting words were always the same—simple, yet profound. They were her wish for all of us, the compass she left to guide those she loved:

“Be good to each other.”

Joyce is survived by her children & their spouses, Todd & Jenny Rogers (Crawfordsville, IN) and Trisha Rogers (Oblong, IL); her grandchildren, Allison & Blake Harris, Dylan Rogers, Brandon Rogers & fiancée Alissa, Zachary Patrick, Andrea Haley & fiancé Chazz, and Chloe Yockey; her great-grandchildren, Laikyn Dowell, Brayden Harris, Kendall Harris, Elias Rogers, Ellis Patrick, and Haisley Carter; her siblings & their spouses, Judy & George Berger (Palestine, IL) and Steve & Lynda Paddock (Robinson, IL); as well as a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nolan S. Paddock & Ruby I. (White) Paddock-McCrory; her grandson, Parker Patrick; and the father of her children, “JV” Rogers.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of Joyce’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share their favorite memories and stories of this remarkable woman.