Joyce E. Schlenker, 57, of Wapakoneta, died 12:05 p.m., Sun. May 14, 2017, in rural Van Wert Co. at the scene of a two car accident.

She was born Nov. 21, 1959, in St. Marys, OH, the daughter of Cletus & Marian (Lynch) Kentner, who preceded her in death. On March 20, 1982, she married Michael C. Schlenker, and he survives.

Other survivors include, a daughter, Courtney Danielle Schlenker, Orlando, FL, 3 step-children, Heather Lee Nolte, Wapakoneta, Matthew Christian (Missy) Schlenker, Olympia, WA, Leanne Elizabeth (Chris) Moniger, Wooster, OH, 7 grandchildren, Allison and Emma Nolte, Fritz and Molly Schlenker, Colin, Haakon, and Maren Moninger, siblings, Joann (Larry) Jauert, San Diego, CA, Ruth Doering, Wapakoneta, Barbara (Max) Place, Wapakoneta, Vonnie Ruese, Fairfax, VA, Dean (Donna) Kentner, Wapakoneta, a brother-in-law, James Sawmiller, Wapakoneta, numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Sawmiller, an infant brother, and 2 brothers-in-law, Ned Doering & Michael Ruese.

As we look to Our Heavenly Father and his gracious arms, he has welcomed his daughter Joyce home on May 14, 2017. Though her life was tragically cut short, her passion and love still lives in her family, friends, and those she touched through her work at Crown Equipment.

Her talents included painting, stained glass artwork, jewelry making and more. Her passion and love for her family was unprecedented and she lived each day with the philosophy of "If you don't try, you've already failed! Everything happens for a reason and God always has a plan."

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tues. May 23, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moulton, OH, with Pastor Roger Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the Resthaven Memory Gardens, near Moulton.

The family will receive friends 2-8 p.m., Mon. May 22, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 1102 Lincoln Ave. (St. Rt. 501) Wapakoneta, and 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Tues.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Joyce Schlenker Memorial Trust.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.