Beloved Vienna Resident Joyce Kistler, 83, Passes After Alzheimer's Battle

Beloved Vienna Resident Joyce Kistler, 83, Passes After Alzheimer's Battle

Joyce Ann Kistler, an 83-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 12, 2025, at The Inn at Walker Mill after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. With roots in Warren, Ohio, Joyce was born on February 21, 1942, to Robert Russell and Glennes Lovisa Elser Baldwin. She lived a life rich in family and community, graduating from Maplewood High School in 1960 and marrying Thomas H. Kistler just a year later on June 30, 1961. Their journey took them from Mecca to Vienna, where they enjoyed more than six decades together before Thomas’s passing on October 20, 2022.

Joyce’s professional life was marked by her dedication to the Mathews School District, where she served as a school bus driver for over 20 years after initially working at Packard. She was an active member of the Vienna Presbyterian Church and touched many lives through her commitment to service. Her love for family shone through in the time spent with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, alongside her beloved cat, Stella.

A Legacy of Compassion

Her passing is felt deeply by her family, which includes daughters Jane (Bob) Davidson, Jill Joseph, Lynda (Don) Feren, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Joyce is also survived by sisters Sandy Barthel and Nancy Lesh, while preceded in death by her husband, son-in-law Eric Joseph, brother Bobby Baldwin, and sister Donna Kinderman.

Services for Joyce are set for 11 a.m. on July 16, 2025, with calling hours from 10 to 11 a.m. at Kyle Funeral Homes, Vienna Chapel. In her memory, the family encourages memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Chapter, highlighting the growing need for awareness and support surrounding this challenging disease.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

The circumstance of Joyce Kistler’s passing sheds light on a pressing issue affecting many families across the nation. Recent studies reveal that 83% of U.S. adults express concern about developing Alzheimer’s, with 12% experiencing significant anxiety related to the disease. Disparities in awareness also emerge, as Hispanic Americans exhibit the highest levels of worry (29% express a lot of concern), followed by Native Americans (14%), while only 9% of White Americans report similar levels of worry. The figures remind us that Alzheimer’s is a widespread concern, not just for those diagnosed, but for families and communities alike.

Yet, there is a considerable gap in knowledge. Only 16% of Americans claim to understand Alzheimer’s well, and even awareness regarding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) remains low. It’s essential for individuals to seek early diagnosis, as 99% of Americans regard this as important. The reality is that many prefer to know about Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms manifest, reflecting a desire to plan and respond proactively to potential future challenges.

Encouraging Early Diagnosis

Healthcare professionals are urged to focus on early detection, which is critical for patients and caregivers alike. As found in a review, diagnosing Alzheimer’s earlier can significantly impact planning for future care and enhancing overall quality of life. However, numerous challenges exist. Clinicians often face constraints on their time and many symptoms are overlooked, inaccurately attributed to normal aging. This highlights a critical need for improved diagnostic processes and greater integration of care across clinical disciplines.

Public interest in cognitive screening is high, with 59% of individuals believing in its importance. Furthermore, 90% of adults would be eager to participate in simple medical tests to assess their risk for Alzheimer’s. As advancements in treatment options emerge, it’s essential for people to remain informed and proactive.

Ultimately, Joyce Kistler’s passing is not just a loss for her family but also an opportunity to reflect upon and address the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease. With increased awareness and advocacy, there’s hope for better support and future treatments for those affected by this debilitating condition.