Carolyn Jean (Ancil) Royce

Carolyn Jean (Ancil) Royce, 88, Warren, previously from LaFontaine, passed away at 5:40 am on July 3, 2025, at Heritage Pointe of Warren surrounded by family during her final hours. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Wednesday, May 26, 1937, to Ira and Bernice (Smith) Ancil. On October 5, 1957, she married Cary R. “Bob” Royce.  They were by each other’s side for nearly 67 years. Carolyn graduated from Van Buren High School in 1955. She was a long-time member of LaFontaine United Methodist Church. Carolyn enjoyed singing and bringing joy to people with her beautiful voice. She was a member of the LaFontaine United Methodist Church choir, Mississinewa Valley Music Association, and sang several years in the Marion Easter Pageant.  She was also a member of the United Methodist Church Sounds of Hope Concert Choir where she toured Europe, along with her husband, Bob, performing in various cities. She was crowned the Grant County 4-H Fair Queen of 1953, a long-time member of the Liberty Bells Home Extension Club and the LaFontaine Literary Club.  Carolyn’s first job was in her parents’ grocery store followed by working as a telephone switchboard operator.  She worked as both a reading teacher and the school secretary at LaFontaine Elementary School and enjoyed her time as a Longaberger Basket Consultant.  Carolyn loved her family and friends and loved conversing with others.  She enjoyed having tea parties, as well as cooking with her grandchildren and sharing their pictures.  Carolyn truly loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities and sporting events. Survivors include her daughters, Judy (Mark) Richmond of Fort Wayne and Susan (Gregory) Jue of Lakewood, CA; grandsons, Kyle (Lauren) Richmond of Fishers and Logan Richmond of Brooklyn, NY; granddaughters, Meagan Jue of Santa Barbara, CA, Emily Jue of Lakewood, CA, and Abigail Jue of Lakewood, CA; great-granddaughter, Emma Richmond; great-grandson, Luke Richmond; and sister, Kay (Ancil) Lake of Swayzee. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Cary R. “Bob” Royce. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at LaFontaine United Methodist Church, 2 W. Kendall St., LaFontaine, IN. Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Carolyn’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Sjogren’s Foundation, 10701 Parkridge Blvd., Ste. 170, Reston, VA 20191 (www.sjogrens.org) or LaFontaine United Methodist Church, 2 W. Kendall St., LaFontaine, IN 46940. Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. To send flowers to the family of Carolyn, please visit our floral store. Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.