Joy Lynn Lewis

Joy Lynn (Matter) Lewis, 86, of Fremont passed away on 1/30/26 peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. Joy was born on September 3, 1939 in Clyde, OH, the daughter of Uriah Matter and Grayce (Tressler) Matter.

Joy graduated from a Christian school in Tennessee where she attended school with her younger brother, Merlin Matter. She loved to tell stories about school friends believing she and her brother were twins, even though she was older. She frequently laughed at the high jinx they got into while attending school away from home. These were amongst her fondest memories.

Before settling down in Fremont, Ohio, Joy loved traveling around the country and visiting other areas. Among her favorites was her time spent in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Nashville.

Joy supported herself working as a waitress, until her retirement from Ponderosa in 2008. She enjoyed working and she loved her customers; many of whom grew to become friends over the years.

Later in life, Joy’s happiest hours were when she was with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed taking walks, listening and singing along to country music, crafting, sewing, and embroidery.

Joy is survived by her brother Merlin (Cookie) Matter of North Carolina; her children, Eric Woerz of San Mateo, CA, Rhonda (Roy) Cantu of Fremont, OH, David (Debbie) Lewis, also of Fremont, OH, and Grayce (Russ Randolph) Scardina of Maumee, OH; her grandchildren, Preston Cantu of Norwalk, OH; Zachery (Dana) McCurdy of Fremont, OH, Anthony (Shawnelle) Cantu of Fremont OH, Jonathan Cantu of Fremont, OH, Andrew Kouts of Fremont, OH, Joshua (Vanessa) Kouts of Fremont, OH, Jessica (Benjamin) Henry, of Fremont, OH, Michael Lewis of Nashville, TN, and Stephanie Lester of Huntington Beach, CA. She is also survived by 23 great grandchildren and 1 great, great- grand daughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kelly Lewis Sr. (2002), and her companion Gale (Buck) Henning (2013), and siblings Carol Reinbolt, Chelcher Matter, Jerry Matter, Gloria (Matter) Connor, and Wayne Matter,

Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 900 Smith Rd. Fremont, OH 43420. Services will follow visitation at 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will take place at Greenlawn Memory Gardens at a later date.

Memorials can be made in her honor to Heartland Hospice, 907 W. State St. Fremont, OH 43420