Joyce Meiners Obituary

Joyce M. Rodgers Meiners passed away April 1, 2010. Joyce was born on November 23, 1924 in Morgantown, West Virginia. She grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, one of eleven children of Helen F. Thorniley Rodgers Sherwood, and Reynolds (Rex) Q. Rodgers. In 1942 she graduated from Academy High School in Erie, Pennsylvania where she was Head Cheerleader. She went to work at Marx Toys as Director of Human Resources. Joyce moved to Neosho, Missouri in 1950 and went to work for the Government at Camp Crowder where she met Theodore (Ted) Meiners, a dashing, young lieutenant in the U.S. Army. They married on December 24, 1951; starting her career as a military spouse for the next 22 years. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1969 and worked at Fort Carson for several years, and then for Telecom Engineers. Joyce is survived by her husband, Theodore (Ted) Meiners, and children, Penny Jo Hauserman of Junction City, KS, Theo Meiners of Valdez, AK, Michael Meiners and his wife Sharon of Carbondale, CO, and Lori Muehlbauer of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kari, Layne, Alexandra, Aidan, Emily, Megahn, Louis, and Michael; three great-grandchildren, Shayna, Kelsey, and Morgan; sister, Helen Houze of Barberton, OH, brother, Pat Rodgers of Erie, PA, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings. Joyce was a lifetime volunteer. She gave selflessly to her community wherever she lived. During the Vietnam War she served wounded soldiers as a Red Cross "Gray Lady" in Alaska. She tended to the wounded when they stopped over in Alaska before traveling on to the lower 48. She was a Salvation Army volunteer for decades and served in various positions, including many years as Treasurer for the Salvation Army Ladies' Auxiliary. She was very active in her Parish, St. Patrick's, working up to days before her passing. She volunteered often in many other capacities at churches, schools, and community causes. She loved all animals, especially dogs, she loved the beach, and loved to dance, bowl, sew, read and garden. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She will be missed by many. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Swan Law Cascade Chapel, followed by a rosary at 5:00 p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or the Salvation Army Ladies' Auxiliary.