Joyce B. (Smith) Bucher

            Joyce B. (Smith) Bucher, 91 of Hollidaysburg went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 4, 2023, after battling Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for 22 years.

            She was born June 30, 1932, in Maple Hollow, a daughter of the late J. Earl and Elsie (Taylor) Smith. She was married first to Raymond R. Keller on September 17, 1955, who preceded her in death February 21, 1969, then to Chapman R. Bucher on January 24, 1970, who preceded her in death January 23, 1975.

            She is survived by a daughter Kathy Benzel (David) and grandchildren, Brandi Attebury (Jon), Rayme Benzel (Lexie), and Matthew Adams (Rebecca).

            Joyce was preceded in death by a daughter, Kris E. Adams on January 15, 2004, and siblings: Melda Wilt, Leona Weyant, Jimmy Smith, Anna Mary Reilly, Shirley Irene Rooney, Edith Dodson, and Woodward Smith. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

            Mrs. Bucher was a member of Jaggard-First United Methodist Church, Altoona.

            She was a graduate of Hollidaysburg High School.

            Joyce retired as a group leader from Day Care Services of Blair County in 1997 following 27 years of dedicated service. She then was employed as a dedicated care giver for the elderly with 20 years’ service.

            Joyce was known for her cooking and baking and her delicious old-fashioned fudge which she often gave away. She lived by the motto, “It is better to give than to receive” and she often said “You don’t get on a bus without a ticket.”

            A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Pepper officiating.

            Interment will be made at Alto Reste Park Cemetery, Altoona.

            It was Joyce’s request that those attending please wear bright colors and not shed tears.

            In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations please be made to the charity of your choice.

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