1942-2026
Joyce Evonne Ward Vedder, age 83, of Himrod, passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at F.F. Thompson Memorial Hospital in Canandaigua.
Honoring her wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at the convenience of the family on a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Humane Society, your local volunteer fire department ladies auxiliary, or the Himrod Conservation Club, 770 Rice Hill Road, Himrod, NY 14842.
Joyce was born February 24, 1942, in Penn Yan, the youngest daughter of the late David E. and Lulu M. (Simmons) Ward. She began her working career while still in high school, working weekends for Seneca Foods in the computer room, doing data input. She graduated from Dundee Central School in 1959.
On June 11, 1960, she married Ralph Benjamin Vedder at the Dundee Baptist Church. She learned vineyard work while employed by Lee Gibson and Lew Green, and later perfected her cooking skills working for the Showboat on Seneca Lake. Her longest career spanned more than 20 years on the packaging line in the salt industry, retiring from U.S. Salt in Watkins Glen.
Mrs. Vedder was a very active member of the community. She remained involved with the Himrod Conservation Club and the Ladies of the Moose Lodge #1519, where she was a 50-year member. She also served as past secretary and treasurer of the Himrod Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Past President of the Yates County Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary, and Past President of the Northern Central Volunteer Fireman’s Association Ladies Auxiliary.
When she wasn’t working or volunteering, Joyce loved caring for her dachshunds and collecting dachshund trinkets, tending to her flower gardens, and decorating for Christmas. Most of all, she cherished every moment spent with her family.
She is loved and will be forever missed by her husband of 65 years, Ben Vedder of Himrod; her three children, Rose Marie (Carl) Hill Sr. of Manhattan, Kansas, Ron (Susanne) Vedder of Rock Stream, and Carmela Sue (Joe) Salamendra of Dundee; seven grandchildren, Regina (Nick) Dawson, Carl Hill Jr., Katrina (Luke) Hull, Kristina Gilmore, Steven (Olivia Mason) Vedder, Thomas B. Vedder, and Cody J. Salamendra; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, a dear friend she loved like a son, Lynnford Hoover, and her beloved fur baby, Sandy.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Dolores E. Ward, in 2011; her brother, Dale E. Ward, in 2019; and several in-laws.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
