Joi L. (Thornburg) Rye

Joi L. (Thornburg) Rye, 46, of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital. Joi was born on June 10, 1976, the daughter of Roger Thornburg and Terri (Cleveland) Powell. She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband, Donnie Rye.

Joi worked at West Elementary School as a custodian. As her namesake, she brought Joy to all the students, staff, and parents that walked through the school halls. Joi was a loving person who cared for anyone she met, her final act was a testament to this as she was an organ donor. She loved the Lord and was a member of the Harvestime Temple in Mt. Vernon. She was dedicated to her family and could always be found and heard cheering her family on, from her husband racing, and her children and grandchildren’s events. She enjoyed watching Indiana Basketball and loved relaxing and taking a cruise in the country.

She is survived by her husband, Donnie; mother, Terri Powell; children, Johnny (Della Gardner) Rye, Jerod (Laci Norman) Rye, and Lindsey (Hunter Walters) Rye; grandson, Camden Rye; siblings, Jenny (Darrick) Wiggins, Janice (Alex) Stewart, Larry Powell Jr., Tricia (Jason) Wade, and Jennifer (Grant) Meade.

She is preceded in death by her father, Roger Thornburg; Stepfather, Larry Powell Sr.; and granddaughter, Hayden Rye.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Denning Family Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Sellers officiating. Burial will follow at Bellefontaine Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 11:00 am until service time at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the West Elementary PTO. Online condolences may be left at denningfamilyfuneralhome.com