1933-2025
Joyce M. Hardin, age 92, of Marysville, and formerly of Powell, Ohio, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025, at Walnut Crossing in Marysville.
On December 12, 1933, Joyce was born in Mount Liberty, Ohio, the proud middle child of the late Rex McKay and Methel (Thatcher) McKay. She graduated from Amity High School with the class of 1951. One fateful night, Joyce attended a dance on the campus of The Ohio State University, where she met Harold Lee Hardin, and from there, the rest was history. The two were married on April 29, 1956, in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Together they shared 62 years of marriage and lovingly raised three children: Cynthia, Cheryl, and Eric. After more than 20 years in Powell, Joyce and Harold moved to Marysville in 2016. They also treasured time at their family farm in Logan County, where they cherished the peace and beauty of nature. Harold preceded her in death on August 8, 2018.
While her children were in school, Joyce took great pride in caring for her husband and family as a devoted homemaker. She later pursued a career she truly loved as a real estate agent, finding joy in helping families discover their perfect “home.” Joyce served clients in both Powell and Marysville, working with several realtors over the years, including King Thompson and Holzer Wohlam.
A woman of faith, Joyce was a member of New Hope Church in Powell.
Always on the go and always looking for a good time, she was a social butterfly, deeply involved in the lives of those she loved. She cherished her beloved book club friends, and on Saturdays in the fall, you could count on Joyce celebrating OSU football with her “wild” crew.
Joyce’s love of adventure took her near and far. For many years, she and Harold traveled north, east, west, and south on their Honda Gold-wing, riding as far north as Nova Scotia. They planned their lives around the trips they dreamed of, and they also enjoyed countless adventures in the many campers they owned through the years. Joyce especially treasured memorable trips to the United Kingdom and Italy with her daughter, Cheryl; to Alaska with her granddaughter, Chelsey; celebrations in Mexico with her granddaughter, Cayla; and she fell in love with the majestic beauty of Montana. And if no one else was up for the fun, Joyce would happily hop in the car and drive the countryside all on her own.
A talented seamstress, Joyce lovingly made dresses for special family occasions and created many of her children’s clothes when they were growing up. One thing you always had to watch for though, Joyce was notorious for accidentally leaving a pin or two behind, which sure caught you by surprise on fitting day.
If “shop until you drop” had an original inspiration, it may have been Joyce. A true shopaholic, she was still browsing outfits and jewelry even while on hospice. Always dressed to the nines, never sweatpants, she earned the affectionate nickname “Hollywood” from the aides at her assisted living facility. Joyce had a huge heart for animals and adored her many canine companions through the years. She was also an avid reader.
Joyce will forever be remembered for her ornery, over-the-top, spunky, fun personality, truly the life of the party. Her strength was equally unforgettable: being a cancer survivor was a major part of her story, as she bravely beat breast cancer twice and also overcame lung cancer.
She will be dearly missed by her two children: Cynthia (Scott) Orr, and Eric Hardin, both of East Liberty; a son-in-law, Blaine Franz of Granville; 7 grandchildren: Chelsey (Scott) Ferguson, Cayla (Daniel) Waxman, Catarina (Houston) Evans, John Hardin, Jenna (Tony) Mossing, Logan (Emily) Franz, and Levi (Bri) Franz; 9 great-grandchildren: Zoie, Zayne, Ziva, and Zander Ferguson, Olivia and Ethan Waxman, Hardin and Remi Franz, and Peter Mossing; and several nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Franz; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Hardin; and both siblings: Donna Lynch and Gary McKay.
Her family will greet friends from 1 – 3 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Underwood Funeral Home, 703 E. 5th St., Marysville, OH. Services honoring her life will follow there at 3 pm, with Pastor Chris Jacobsen officiating. Burial will be held at 11 am on Monday in East Liberty Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Loving Care Hospice via this link: https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/.
On behalf of her family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to her beloved special friends who were always by her side: Barbara Farley and Linda Longbrake; to all of the staff at Walnut Crossing; and to Ohio’s Loving Care Hospice for the peaceful comfort they provided for Joyce.
Underwood Funeral Home of Marysville is honored to serve Joyce’s family, and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.
