Sponsored Sponsored content Joyce R. Staats, 96, of Hellertown (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

Joyce R. Staats (1929 – 2026)

Joyce R. Staats, 96, of Hellertown, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. Born in Bethlehem on July 28, 1929, Joyce was a daughter of the late Boyd and Anna (Durn) Rapp. A 1947 graduate of Liberty High School, she went on to enjoy a long and respected career as an insurance agent with the former Weiss-Schantz Insurance Agency in Hellertown, where she was known for her professionalism, kindness and dedication to her clients. Joyce was a devoted and active member of Christ Lutheran Church, Hellertown, serving faithfully on the Altar Guild and participating in many other church organizations. Her faith and commitment to her church family were central to her life and brought her great joy. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted partner, George J. Ginther, who died Jan. 18, 2009, and by her beloved son, Bruce W. Staats, who died April 4, 2022.

SURVIVORS

Joyce is lovingly remembered by her sons, Gregory R. Staats and his wife Jane of Hillsborough, N.J., and Peter B. Staats and his wife Denise of Etters, Pa.; her five grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Wayne, Meredith and Treyton; her cherished great-granddaughter, Claire; and by her extended family and friends who will forever hold her memory close.

SERVICES

Family and friends are invited to call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 326 Main St., Hellertown. The calling hour will be followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Private interment will be held at the Union Cemetery of Hellertown. A funeral repast will be held at The Carriage House at Heintzelman’s immediately following the service. To share an expression of sympathy with the family, please visit Heintzelmancares.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joyce’s name may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Main St., Hellertown, PA 18055.