Joyce K. Wetherell, 74, of New Alexandria, OH, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Weirton Medical Center in Weirton, WV.

She was born November 16, 1951 in Steubenville, OH, a daughter of the late George A. and Marion V. (Burch) Reinacher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ross E. Wetherell, Sr. on August 8, 2012; a brother, George A. Reinacher, Jr.; and a sister, Lori Baumann.

Joyce graduated from Brilliant High School in 1970 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from West Liberty State College. She taught first and second grade in the Buckeye Local School District for 36 years, retiring in 2009. Joyce was a member of New Alexandria Methodist Church where she helped the youth at Bible School and Kan-Do Club. She was also deeply involved in 4-H, serving for more than 50 years as an advisor for Liberty Gals and Guys, the same club she had belonged to as a youth. She provided her leadership and served on the 4H Committee for many terms. She donated her time and creative talents to plan county fair parade floats, fair booth displays, and guide youth through countless projects and other activities “To Make the Best Better”. She was also a member of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau serving on the P&E Committee. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family which included doing crafts with her grandchildren and taking photographs to preserve the memories.

Surviving are two sons, Ross Wetherell, Jr. and Duayne (Monica) Wetherell both of New Alexandria, OH; two sisters, JoAnn (Bob) Dunn of Mingo Junction, OH and Diana Orris of White Oak, PA; and five grandchildren, Duayne “D.J.” Wetherell, Jr. and his fiancé Sarah Gregory, Andrew Wetherell, Delia Wetherell, Hattie Wetherell and Josie Wetherell. 

The family would like to thank the nurses, aides and staff at the Carriage Inn of Steubenville for the wonderful care they provided while she was there.

Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant, OH, on Friday from 4-8 p.m. and also on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. James M. Dunfee, officiating. Interment will follow at New Alexandria Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Joyce’s name to the Jefferson County 4-H Committee, 500 Market St., Suite 512, Steubenville, Ohio, 43952.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.