Joyce Carol (Carpenter) Gayton

Joyce Carol Gayton, 88, of Port Richey, Florida, and formerly of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.  She was born on January 6, 1935, in Indianapolis, to the late Swede Carpenter and Frances (Hawkins) Burch. 

Joyce was a former Grand Worthy Matron for the Eastern Star of which she belonged for over 55 years.  She was also a long-time member of Women of the Moose.  Joyce loved music, Karaoke and auto racing; her father was the National Champion of Triple A Midget Racing.  Joyce was a talented floral designer and had owned her own shop. 

Survivors include her sons, Garry (Mary Jane Rodgers-Ward) Ward and Jeffrey Ward; granddaughters, Kara (John Mattingly) Ward, Lindsey (Jason) Chandler and Jennifer Ward; great-grandchildren, Keegan, Willow, Maxwell and Jazmin; and close friend and caregiver, Katie Schmahl.  She was preceded in death by husband, Harry Gayton. 

Family and friends will gather on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. A service celebrating her life will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Loral Tansy officiating.  Burial:  Concordia Cemetery.   

To share a memory or order flowers, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com 

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