In Memory of Joyce K. Ebensperger

Obituary

Joyce K. Ebensperger, 102, formerly of New Hartford, died on July 10, 2024, at Eastern Star Home.

She was born on April 6, 1922 in Norway, NY, the daughter of Kenneth and Lillian Sly Kirby. She was raised and educated in Sauquoit, NY, graduating from Sauquoit Valley Central High in 1938. She attended the Utica School of Commerce in 1938 and 1939, and in 1939 she went to work for the General Millwork Corporation, a career that lasted forty-five years. She retired in 1984.

She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Utica, NY, where she met her future husband, George F. Ebensperger. The were married on September 20, 1947, a joyful union of thirty-two years, until his death on November 9, 1979.

Her main interests were photography and reading, mainly mysteries and who-dun-its. She could usually be found with a book in her hand. If she had nothing new, she would re-read a book from her extensive collection. She also enjoyed traveling.

She was a member of Uarda Temple No. 24 Daughters of the Nile; Valley Stars #217, Order of the Eastern Star; the Mosqueteers; and the Genetaska Club of New Hartford. At one time she did volunteer work for the American Red Cross.

She is survived by a sister-in-law, Jane Kirby, Haverstown, PA; and nieces and nephews, Robin Nichols, Yorktown, VA, Gail Ashwood, Santa Barbara, CA, Margie Smith, Mead, CO, Patrick Kirby, Haverstown, PA, Kenneth (Holly) Kirby, Haverstown, PA, Glenn (Tami) Kirby, Haverstown, PA, Beth (Barry) Doyle, Haverstown, PA, Susan McCabe, Drexel Hill, PA, Maureen (David) Rich, Drexel Hill, PA, Janice (Dan) Phillips, Bloomsburg, PA, Sandra (Philip) Cook, Romney, NH, Kimberly (Emmett) Inserra, Schenectady, NY, Dana Ebensperger, Newport, NY, and Tamara Ebensperger, Ilion, NY. She is also survived by several great- and great-great-nieces and nephews as well as her special neighbors and many close friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband George; her sister Barbara Dash, her brother, Kenneth P. Kirby; and her nephew, Scott M. Smith.

The family extends their special thanks to the Eastern Star Home staff and nursing care for the care provided to Joyce in her final years, with special recognition to Debra Mondi.

Calling hours will be on Sunday from 2 to 4 PM at Friedel, Williams and Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. A funeral service will follow at 4 PM. The Daughters of the Nile will conduct services on Sunday at 3:30. Interment will be on Monday at 11:00 AM at Crown Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Uarda Temple No. 24 Convalescent Endowment Fund, c/o Sandra Rembetski, 131 Farmington Road, Utica, NY 13501. This is a fund which supports the children at the Shriner’s Hospitals.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.