Joyce Adele Rollert

Joyce Adele Rollert (nee: Ebberts) Attorney-at-Law Age 68, of Vandalia, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Joyce was born December 28, 1946 in Dayton to the late John H. & Marjorie L. (Martin) Ebberts. Joyce is survived by her mother; two aunts, Mary L. Martin & Carol Sue Pellman; by numerous cousins; and by close friends, Carolyn Bolin and Shirley Whitmore, the latter of whom was Joyce's very first client. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Steven John Ebberts and her dear friend, Ronald E. Macy. Joyce graduated from Vandalia-Butler High School in 1965 and went to work immediately as a secretary for a prominent downtown Dayton trial attorney. Her employer, himself very intelligent, was quick to recognize the same attribute in Joyce, and he continuously encouraged her to further her education. While working as a secretary she attended Sinclair Community College and learned to become a paralegal. Remembering the trial attorney's words, she went on to graduate from Wright State University with a major in political science. As Joyce continued to work for various attorneys and judges, all of whom were at the top of the profession, she began to dream about the possibility of becoming a lawyer herself. Indeed! Twenty-three years after graduating from high school, and through her own grit and determination, and after spending her own savings, she graduated from the University of Dayton Law School. She passed the bar exam that year on her first attempt. Joyce held an Amateur Radio License (WB8PRD) and she volunteered as a legal advisor to the Butler High School Mock Trial Team. Joyce loved the law, but she was also in love with teaching. She tutored students at the University of Dayton School of Law and was either an adjunct instructor or faculty member at Edison State Community College; the American Institute of Paralegal Studies in Dayton; and Capital University at the Dayton Branch. She even helped her lawyer friends by always sending them memoranda on interesting points of law she learned in legal seminars. She served the Dayton Bar Association as a member of the professional ethics and grievance committee and served The Supreme Court of Ohio as a member of the commission on certification of attorneys as specialists. In addition to the Dayton Bar association, Joyce belonged to the Ohio State Bar Association and the Miami County Bar Association. During her years in private practice, she specialized in family law and probate law. She was very loyal to her clients, and they reciprocated. Joyce was able to come to terms with the grave illness that took her life because of her unshakeable belief that she would meet her Savior in Paradise A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the First Grace Brethren Church, 2624 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia, Ohio 45414, with Pastor Bruce Jackson officiating. A reception for family & friends will follow in the church fellowship hall. Joyce's family would like to thank the staff of Kindred Hospital for the loving and attentive care they provided during her stay with them. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in memory of Joyce to the Brain Injury Support Group (BTI), the Vandalia Optimist Club, or to the donor's favorite charity.