Joyce Ridenour Learned, 94, died in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 31, 2014. Loving wife of the late William Learned, she was a longtime resident of Berea, Ohio. Joyce is survived by her children, Michael (Ellin), Daniel (Barbara) and Jane Learned; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Born in Jackson, Ohio, November 16, 1920, Joyce was the daughter of the late Walter A. and Gertrude W. Ridenour of Jackson, and sister of the late Betty Ridenour Claar and Mary Ridenour Dunbeck.
Joyce worked for many years in the Trust Department of Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio. After retiring from The Huntington she served as a receptionist at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. It was often said that when people called the church and Joyce answered, it was “like calling home.” She also delivered Meals-On-Wheels for many years in Berea.
Her family, co-workers, neighbors and all who knew her will remember her as a selfless servant with an uncommonly kind and gentle spirit. Her unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ marked all of her life. Much of the “remarkable woman” of Proverbs 31 characterized her: “She does her husband good all the days of her life…she works with willing hands and rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household…she dresses herself with strength (God’s) and…opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy…strength and dignity are her clothing…she opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…she looks well to the ways of her household…her children rise up and call her blessed…a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
She passed into the presence of her Savior in the arms of two of her children. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 10 a.m. at Grace Church, 7393 Pearl Rd., Middleburg Heights, Ohio.