Donna Joy Ortyl

Joy Ortyl, 80, of Perrysburg, OH (formerly of Ottawa Hills) passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. Born to Pauline and Noel McClure, Joy graduated from DeVilbiss H.S. in 1963 and received B.Ed. (magna cum laude) and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Toledo. At UT, she was a member of the dancing Rockettes, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, and Phi Kappa Phi honorary society.

Joy had an extensive career teaching High School and Junior High Math and

Science in CA, VA, and GA before returning to Toledo. There, she taught at the University of Toledo, St. Francis de Sales H. S., St. Ursula Academy, Notre Dame Academy, and for many years at Ottawa Hills H.S. She greatly enjoyed teaching and always tried to encourage her students to do their best, while weaving her unique sense of humor into the lessons.

Joy was a valuable member of Masterworks Chorale for over 40 years, and music was a huge part of her life. She was the vocal director of the St. Francis H.S. musicals from 1973 to 1990, and of the Ottawa Hills H.S. musicals from 1991 to 1995. Joy was also a member of the vocal quartet, Berkeley Square, entertaining at parties throughout the area. After retiring from teaching, she became a Master Gardener for Wood County. Her extensive perennial gardens were a joy to behold, and she was in her garden most days during the summer months.

Joy enjoyed traveling immensely. She and Jim took tours and cruises to Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Canada, Mexico, and road trips of the USA. Their 2022 trip to Alaska marked her 50th state.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Pauline and Noel McClure, stepmother, Lelah McClure, brothers, Father John McClure and Kenneth McClure, sister, Marie (Dan) O'Kane, and stepson Timothy Ortyl Ph.D. Surviving are her loving husband and best friend, Jim Ortyl; children Brent (Joy) Billmaier of Maumee, and Brooke Wagner (Kevin) of Seabrooke Island, SC; grandchildren Emma Joy and Jackson Billmaier of Maumee. Also surviving are stepson, James P. (Sarah) Ortyl of Perrysburg, and step-grandchildren William and Gabrielle Ortyl of Perrysburg. Last but not least, her faithful dog, Jasper.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 10-1 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, where a celebration of Joy’s life will begin at 1 p.m. Since Joy had been a two-time breast cancer survivor, she requests that contributions be made to the Victory Center 5532 W. Central Ave. Toledo, OH, 43615. For those unable to attend the celebration of life service will be live streamed from the funeral home’s website, via Joy’s obituary. Condolences may be made to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.