Joy Alexandra Lea Wiehe

Joy Alexandra Lea Wiehe passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the young age of 21, following a tough struggle with type 1 diabetes.

Joy was born on September 10, 2004, in Hamilton, Ohio. She attended Centerville schools and worked at Panera. She enjoyed playing recreational volleyball, and was artistic and creative, expressing herself through drawing and coloring. She loved watching movies and shows and was always listening to music.

Joy will be remembered as a kind soul with a big heart. In a true reflection of her character, she once joined a recreational kickball team, only to discover her teammates had special needs — and without hesitation, she stepped up to support and encourage them. She had a special kinship with animals, especially the grumpy family cat Rufus who is likely waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge and wondering why she kept him waiting. She also loved listening to the song of windchimes in the backyard, cooking smores over the campfire and eating at the fanciest restaurants where she loved to order a hamburger.

Joy is survived by her parents, Michael and Heather Wiehe; her sister, Maya Wiehe, with whom she shared her September birthday and whom she loved and cared for deeply; grandparents, Wayne and Judy Wiehe; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; along with her fiance, Gabriel Shinkle, and his parents, Dave and Linda Shinkle, who embraced her warmly as part of their family.

She also leaves behind biological family members, including siblings Ashley Whicker, Kristen Whicker, John Whicker, Hailey Garland, and Brian Garland, and parents Nicole Whicker and the late Brian Whicker.

Joy attended Camp Ko Man She, where she found community, encouragement, and invaluable support in her journey with type 1 diabetes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Ko Man She at https://www.diabetesdaytoncamp.com/donate to help children newly diagnosed with diabetes.