COLUMBIA CITY: Joy Lynn Heinbaugh, 82 , of Columbia City, died peacefully at her home at 10:52 p.m. Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Born on February 1, 1939, in Columbia City, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Harmon P. and Helen M. (Wolfangle) Murbach.  Growing up in Columbia City she completed elementary school at West Ward and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1957.  She continued her education at Indiana University earning a bachelor's degree and then master's degree from the University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne.

On January 3, 1958, she married David Tower Heinbaugh.  They have always made their home in Columbia City.

A professional educator, she began as a Spanish teacher at Columbia City High School, later professor at the University of St Francis, Fort Wayne, and then as the Executive Director of the Educational Opportunity Center in Fort Wayne.  Her studies of Central and America took her to Guatemala where she became a beloved member of the Santiago Atitlan Tzu'Tujil Mayan community in Guatemala. Becoming her second home where she adored the culture and the people.

Joy had a keen sense of adventure and curiosity which she passed on to her children.  She loved storytelling, playing competitive games of bridge with friends, or just being with family.  She loved and inspired her children and grandchildren in countless ways.  Her sense of humor and deep knowledge will be missed.

She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Tri Kappa.

Surviving is her husband of 63 years today, David; children Tara L. Heinbaugh of Columbia City, Mark D. Heinbaugh of Avon, CO and LeeAnn Heinbaugh of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala; grandchildren, Chad (Nichole) Porter and Autumn Heinbaugh; great-grandchildren Blake & Easton Porter; and a sister Linda (Jack) Sevier.

A private gathering of family and friends will take place at a later date.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Joy's honor are to Puerta Abierta at https://atitlanabierta.com or the Community Foundation of Whitley County Education Fund at https://www.cfwhitley.org/ .