Joyce M. Papworth-Milliken

Joyce Marion Papworth-Milliken, 97, of Dublin, Ohio, was called from her earthly life on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, after a long, full life. Born August 5, 1928 in Lorain, Ohio, she was the last surviving child of the late Earl Hobart and Elizabeth May Victoria (née, Whitehouse) Papworth, having been preceded in death by her sister, Joan Papworth-Hart.

Joyce grew up in Uhrichsville, Ohio where she was a 1946 graduate of Uhrichsville High School. She then earned her Bachelor of Science from Mount Union College in 1950, before attaining her nursing degree from Saint Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. As a registered nurse, Joyce was an invaluable asset to her family – caring for her parents, children, and many extended family members over the years.

On August 20, 1960, Joyce married William U. Milliken, beginning a new chapter in her life as a resident of Bowerston, Ohio. She will be remembered for her faithful service to her community in many capacities, including as an elected member of the Conotton Valley School Board – the second woman elected to the board (the first being her mother-in-law). She was also a woman of deep faith who served countless hours as the senior and junior choir director at Trinity Methodist Church in Bowerston for several decades, in addition to offering her time and talents in many other capacities for her congregation.

Together, Bill and Joyce created a loving home for their six children, Charlie (Nadine) Milliken, Jim Dalton, Sara (Christopher “Kip”) Wortman, Rich (Anita) Milliken, and Ed (Lucy) Milliken who survive them and Tom Dalton who preceded them in death; they also considered Michael (Shirley) Shepperson a family member. They were known for their exceptional hospitality, and their home was always a hub of activity for the countless friends of the family. Joyce and Bill decided as the kids grew they needed an activity as a family, so the family became fishermen, buying a cabin on Lake Nippising, North Bay, Ontario. In retirement, they made their home in Fresno, Ohio, for a number of years and were “Snow Birds” to LaBelle, Florida. Bill preceded Joyce in death on January 18, 2011 after over fifty wonderful years of loving marriage, leaving their family with countless cherished memories.

In addition to her children, Joyce is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Jessica, Dan, Claire, Matt, Clay, Ty, Amanda, Lauren, Lindsey, Shannon, Jason, and Mitchell; four great-grandchildren, Andrew, Bobby, Jacoby, and Peter; and a host of dear friends and church family.

Pastor Brock Caldwell and Pastor Jim Van Meter will officiate a 1:00 p.m. funeral on Wednesday, April 8, at Trinity Methodist Church, 209 Main St., Bowerston, Ohio, where her family will receive callers from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Joyce’s memory may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, P. O. Box 255, Bowerston, OH 44695.