Joyce Gruntler Barickman peacefully passed away on July 25, 2023, in Richmond, VA, at the age of 88. She was born on March 13, 1935, in Rochester, NY, to Oscar Walter and Mildred Estelle (Bean) Gruntler.

While attending Sacred Heart Academy in Rochester, Joyce also studied piano, harp, and flute at the Eastman School of Music and later attended Nazareth University. Soon after, she moved to Charleston, WV, to join her parents, where she met Woody Barickman, the love of her life, on a blind date. They married 3 months later and spent the next 35 years raising their family in Charleston, later moving to Wilmington, NC, and to Naples, FL.

Joyce’s life was one filled with passion and purpose. Her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was immense. Joyce embraced each moment with enthusiasm and exquisite taste. While raising their 4 children, Woody and Joyce’s homes were havens for family and friends, as they entertained them with grace and warmth, creating lasting bonds and treasured moments.

Joyce had a multitude of passions that kept her busy. Whether it was shelling on the beach, playing tennis or bridge or gardening, she always found joy in creating. She leaves behind countless needlepoint creations, as well as hand woven and knitted heirlooms. Her decorator’s eye was impeccable.

With Woody by her side, they travelled the world, sometimes re-tracing Woody’s travels while fighting in WWII. Joyce loved planning each and every trip, and her journals and photos will be cherished for generations to come.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald Gruntler, and her beloved husband of 52 years, L.E. “Woody” Barickman. Joyce will be forever missed by her four children: Mark (Elizabeth) and their children, Matt and Anna; Donald and his children, Stuart (Alison) and William (Gina); Mike (Sarah) and their children, Lilly and Haden; and Lucinda (John) Stanchina and their children, Bayn (Callie), Woody, and Joe. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Norah, Riley, and August, who brought her much joy in the last days of her life.

A funeral Mass to honor and remember Joyce will be held at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston, WV, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 11, 2023, with a private inurnment at Eventide Cemetery in Spencer, WV.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Memories of Joyce may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.