Joyce A. Habeger 1942-2025

Born Nov. 24, 1942, in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Ruth Pike Keslar, and was a lifelong resident of the area.

Joyce graduated from Fairfield High School and attended Youngstown State University. A devoted and talented horticulturist, Joyce was a charter member of the Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society, beginning in 2003. She and her husband, Dave, grew and exhibited dahlias at shows throughout Ohio and neighboring states. Joyce served as secretary of the MVDS for 15 years and was the local representative to the American Dahlia Society for 20 years, contributing quarterly articles to the ADS Bulletin. Her floral designs and dahlias earned numerous ribbons and many “Best of Show” honors at the Canfield Fair and other exhibitions. She also served for many years as a senior dahlia show judge in the tri-state area.

Earlier in life, Joyce worked for The Ohio Bell Telephone Company. She and Dave later owned and operated the Canfield Road Dairy Queen in Youngstown for 30 years. They also raised and raced Standardbred trotters and pacers for five decades, with their horses competing at county fairs and regional racetracks.

Joyce was active throughout her life, playing tennis with the Boardman Racquet Club and golfing for many years in the Applewood league at Mill Creek Park. She was an active member of Mahoning United Methodist Church in Youngstown for over 50 years before becoming a dedicated member of Canfield United Methodist Church.

Joyce leaves behind her husband, David E. Habeger, whom she married on Dec. 17, 1961, and with whom she raised their family in Greenford. She is also survived by her children, Lynn Marie (Warren) Ruscoe, Cheryl (Mark) Bush, Brian Habeger and Elaine Habeger; her grandchildren, Zachary (Jordan), Nicholas, Adriana, Lexi and Cassie; her great-grandson, Levi; four sisters, Beverly Mannen, Beatrice Herbkersman, Dawn Keslar and Terri Fetters; and three brothers, Ernie Keslar, Keith Keslar and Howard Keslar.

Besides her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by sisters, Gayle Ruth Keslar and Marcia Bortner.

Joyce’s generous spirit was expressed in a multitude of ways — whether sharing her expert cooking, enjoying creative activities with her grandchildren or brightening a stranger’s day at the grocery store, Joyce was always thinking of others.

Family and friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., at the funeral home. The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to The Purple Cat, 32 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503.

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