Joyce Arlene (Ward) Ternet

Joyce Arlene (Ward) Ternet, 79, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away on June 3, 2026, at Millers Merry Manor in Garrett, Indiana.

Joyce was born on December 21, 1946, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Cecil and Bernice (Ramsey) Ward. She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1964 and went on to build a life marked by dedication to her family, hard work, and care for those around her.

On June 15, 1969, she married Stephen E. Ternet. Together they built a family and shared many years of marriage before Stephen's passing in 1996.

Joyce is survived by her son, Stephen R. Ternet and his wife, Stephanie; her grandchildren, Kelsey Brinker and her husband, Landin, and Justin Ternet; and her siblings, John Ward, Margaret Timmons, and David Ward. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen E. Ternet; and her siblings, Ardith Higley, Harry Ward, Harold "Gene" Ward, Mary Sheibley, Phyllis Newell, Lois Miller, James Ward, and Alice Bontrager.

In the final years of her life, Joyce became a Christian and was a faithful member of the North church of Christ in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Though she was part of the congregation for only a few years, she deeply appreciated the friendships, fellowship, and encouragement she found there. Her family is comforted by the confidence and hope she had in Christ and the assurance she carried throughout her final days.

Joyce will be remembered for her love of family, her caring heart, and the kindness she showed to others. She treasured time spent with those she loved and leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and love that will continue through her family and all who knew her.

Visitation will be from 1 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn.

A memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, following visitation at the funeral home.

Ryan Joy will be officiating.

Burial will take place at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart at a later date.

Memorial donations may be directed to Heartland Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Arlene (Ward) Ternet, please visit our floral store.