Joyce Ellen Pretz, 91, died Feb. 20, 2016, the 10th day of Lent.

Born June 27, 1924, in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Henry T. and Bernice E. (Schwentzer) Heintzelman.

She graduated valedictorian of the class of 1942, West Hazleton High School, and from Lankenau School of Nursing, Philadelphia, becoming a registered nurse in 1945.

She studied at Millersville University working toward her Bachelor of School Nursing in the 1970s and 1980s but stopped just short of the degree when she moved to Mifflintown.

She was the wife of the late Rev. John C. Pretz Jr., who died on the 10th day of Lent in 2008.

Married on Dec. 27, 1947, the couple was married 60 years before his death.

She continued her nursing career at Allentown General Hospital, Bloomsburg Hospital, Cumberland County School of Special Services and Big Spring Elementary School.

She established and managed several senior citizen sites in Juniata County where she became director of activities, first at the Locust Grove Nursing Home, Mifflin, then Nottingham Village Nursing Home, Northumberland, and finally at Moravian Manor Nursing Home, Lititz.

She had a zeal for life which included cooking, baking, camping, reading, playing card games and mastering many needle arts.

Her survivors include children, Pastor Jeffrey H. and his wife, Jill, of Ephrata, Joel S. and his wife, Pastor Linda Miller-Pretz of Zelienople, Joanna E. Pretz-Anderson and her husband, Pastor David P. Anderson of Ashtabula, Ohio; seven granddaughters; 11 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean E. Heintzelman of Schnecksville; many loving nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by siblings Dorothy E. Snyder, Walter F. Heintzelman, Rewellien G. Heintzelman, Jean C. Harrier, Richard A. Heintzelman.

Expressions of sympathy may be recorded at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Caring Fund of LutherCare, 600 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville.