Rhea Joyce (Jack) Shaner, 92, of Kittanning, passed peacefully on July 27, 2024. 

She was born on Sept. 24, 1931, to the late Charles N. and Bessie E. (Guthrie) Jack. Joyce was a graduate of Freeport High School, class of 1949. She worked at Schenley Distillery, Kittanning Telephone Company, and A.J. Myers & Sons. 

R. Joyce (Jack) married Paul W. Shaner, May 17, 1952 at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Kittanning. They spent more than 65 years together prior to his death in 2017. 

Joyce was a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter #277, Kittanning. 

Joyce was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kittanning, where she has served on Board of Directors for Rainbow Road Preschool for several years. 

As a firemen’s wife Joyce supported the fire service in a number of ways. She joined Hose Co. #6 Auxiliary in July of 1959 and served as Treasurer for all but 3 years of her membership. Joyce was the last living member who helped initiate the Hose Co. #6 Ambulance Service. She joined the Western PA. Firemen’s Auxiliary in 1960, held the office of President in 1979-1980 & served as Financial Secretary for many years. She was also a charter member of the Hi-Hatters Ladies Auxiliary and held positions of Money Bags & Pencil Pusher. She was a member of Old Timers and Past Presidents Auxiliary, where she served as President a few times and Treasurer. Joyce was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania where she was a Past President and held Financial Secretary for 18 years. 

Throughout the years she has served as a Den Mother for Boy Scouts, Girl Scout Leader, Chairman of the Red Cross Bloodmobile for Kittanning, Red Cross Board of Directors in Armstrong County , and Red Cross Bloodmobile Co-Chairman for Armstrong County. 

Joyce enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren, great children and great-great grandchildren. 

Survivors include her son, Paul Wesley Shaner II of Lancaster; daughter, Kimberly Sue (Edward) Carlisle of Lower Burrell; grandson, Shawn Shaner (Stacy Grates) of Adrian; grandson, Samuel (Shannon) Shaner of East Petersburg, Pa.; grandson, Paul Wesley Shaner III of Exton, Pa.; granddaughter, Nicolette (Joe) Altemara of Monessen; great-grandsons, Shawn Paul Shaner Jr. (Haley Buckley), Jacob Robert Shaner, and Joshua Gabriel Shaner, all of Adrian, Brayden Anthony Shaner of East Petersburg, Lincoln David Altemara of Monessen; great-granddaughters, Jade Harley Marie Eckenrod of Lititz, and Emma Marie and Rhea Grace Shaner of East Petersburg; great-great granddaughters Mackenzie Joyce Shaner and Harley Arlene Shaner.

Friends will be received on Thursday August 1, 2024 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday August 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Edward Walters officiating. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment is in the McVille Cemetery.