STRAUGHN – Joy Ann Lowder, 75, of Straughn passed away Sunday morning, July 2nd, 2023, at The Waters of New Castle. Her parents must have known the type of person she would turn out to be when they named her Joy. She had a joyful spirit and shared it with others throughout her life. A daughter of the late Daniel B. and Dona Joane (Fowler) Shafer, Joy was born in New Castle, Indiana on September the 4th, 1947. She graduated from Straughn High School with the class of 1965 and from Ball State University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in education. Joy taught elementary school in Milton, and middle school in South Carolina before retiring after 38 years of teaching. She continued as a substitute teacher at Tri High School for several years. Joy also worked at the Henry County Hospital in the nursing office. She was an active member of the New Lisbon Christian Church, where she began the junior church program and was a dependable volunteer for bible study, Sunday school, and many other church functions. Joy enjoyed music, was the director and acted for the Nettle Creek Players theater group. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and enjoyed every moment spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, David E. Lowder. They were married at her parents' home on January 19th, 1973; 2 sons, Jeremy Brooke Miller, and Brandon Byron Lowder; 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; 1 brother, Gary Shafer. She was preceded in death by 1 son, Kent Allen Miller and 1 brother, Kent Shafer.

A memorial visitation will be held from noon until the time of funeral services at 3 pm on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at the New Lisbon Christian Church. Reverend Jonathan Willmore will officiate. Burial will take place on a future date at the New Lisbon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Castle Band and Choir- 801 Parkview Drive/ New Castle, IN 47362.