Joyce Doty was a 1975 graduate of Bluffton High School

Joyce N. Doty, 55 of Baltimore, Md., and formerly of Bluffton died May 28, 2012 at her residence. She was born in Lima on Nov. 19, 1956, and was adopted and raised by David and Magdalene (Geiger) Doty who preceded her in death.

Joyce was a 1975 graduate of Bluffton High School. Following her graduation, she served active duty in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1988 and was put on the Army reserves until 2000.

During her active duty she served as the Army's first female Warrant Officer with a specialty in arms repair and maintenance. In 1981 there were over 1,200 warranties in the field and she was the only female on active duty that held a warrant officer's appointment. She served several years of service in Europe.

Survivors include a brother Thomas (Amy) Doty of Bluffton; a niece Amanda Doty of Bluffton; two nephews Michael (Amber) Doty and Benjamin (Jessica) Doty both of Pandora; one great niece Hannah and a great nephew Caleb.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army. There will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions may be given to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio P.O. Box 23018 Toledo, Ohio 43623.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com