Joyce Elaine (Hartman) Paules, 90, peacefully entered into eternal rest on the evening of July 9, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. 

She was the loving wife of William H. Paules.  The couple celebrated 71 years of marriage on June 19th, 2025. 

Born May 8th, 1935, in York, she was the child of the late Chester M. Hartman, and Mary K. (Lightner) Hartman.  She attended Edgar Fahs Smith Jr. High, and graduated from William Penn High School in 1954, where she was known by her nickname, “Sherm”.  She was active in many school activities and sang with the band, Sunlight Serenaders.  She remained close to many of her school friends through the years, taking great pride in her school, and serving as class reunion organizer.

In her young years she attended TAC where she loved dancing and taught dancing to others. Her love for music and dancing stayed with her for her entire life.  She was a member of the White Rose Polka Dancers, and attended dances frequently, and was always willing to dance anywhere.  She also was involved with York Little Theater for six years, where she made lifelong friends. 

She was a life- long member, and past President, of the Lincoln Fire Company in York City, where her Father was a firefighter.  Growing up in the fire department was a large part of her childhood.  She was a member of the Eastern Star Order #360 for 35 years.  She was also an avid gardener.  She won many awards for her roses as a former member of the Shiloh Garden Club, where she was known as the “Rose Lady”.

She was a Baltimore Colts season ticket holder for 20 years and loved her friends in Baltimore. She was a member of the Colts Corral 32 in Hanover PA.

She Especially loved the water and water sports. She spent a lot of time at the Chesapeake Bay.  She was an avid water skier and loved swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.  Her favorite place on earth was the beach and water.  She was still fishing at 88 years old.  She traveled to many islands.  She owned a second home in Florida for several years and loved to spend time in Florida.  She loved Peru and had very close Peruvian friends.

She was a free spirit, and very creative. Her love of travel and experience life is what she did. She had a great sense of humor and always wanted to laugh and have fun.  She loved to play cards and was in may card clubs over the years.  She also had a strong love of animals, especially her dogs. 

Over her lifetime she worked many jobs.  After her children were grown, she earned a degree as a Florist.  She owned her own florist business, called JP flowers, and operated a floral stand at Central Market for several years, decorating for many weddings, and attending craft shows.

 She was a strong Christian, and had strong values, and was an active life-long member of Christ Lutheran Church in York.  Late in life she helped the Salvation Army.  Her ability to love and give to others was her gift. She loved people.  She was involved in the community, and had compassion for others, always striving to help and give to others in some way.  She loved to entertain and celebrate others.  As a great cook, she hosted dinner and holiday parties until age 88.

Her family meant everything to her and always came first.  She was an exceptional loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother who always gave and gave. 

Joyce is survived by her husband, William H. Paules; her daughter Lisa K. Smith (Gregory); her son Matthew H. Paules (Sonia); three grandchildren, Ashley O’Connor (Brian), Chad Smith, and Tyler Smith (Fiancé Emily); four great-grand-children, Grady M. O’Connor, Greta P. O’Connor, Evelyn G. O’Connor and Declan E. Smith; and her cousin, David Witman (Jan).  She was also preceded in death by a son, Gregory W. Paules.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, July 14, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, 29 South George Street, York, with her Pastor, The Rev. Doug Johnson, officiating.  Visitation will be 1-2:00 PM.  Private burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.  Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 29 South George Street, York PA 17401; or to the Shriners Children’s 3441 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140; or to the York County SPCA, 3159 N Susquehanna Trail, York PA 17406.