Joyce Ellen (Bartz) Both died peacefully with a smile on her face, on Friday at Hanson Hospice Center with her loving daughters by her side.
She was born on July 17, 1925 in Royalton Township to William and Madge (Birdsey) Bartz. As a youngster she helped out on her family’s fruit farm on Scottdale Road. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, Joyce graduated from Evanston Hospital School of Nursing in IL. She worked for many years at the former Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph (now Spectrum/Lakeland). Before retiring, she worked for Whirlpool Corp. as an industrial nurse.
Joyce was always very active and volunteered for many community activities including the Red Cross, Tri-Unit Fire Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and her church. She also taught various classes for the Tryon 4-H Club. Her walk with God was very important to her; she participated in three mission trips to Haiti, helped with the soup kitchen, and was a member of the Zion Women’s Fellowship group.
Joyce and her husband, Lloyd were married for 60 years and they had 4 children. For 50 years, they lived in a house that they built on Tilly Road, surrounded by flower and vegetable gardens.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Carol Stockman of St. Joseph; daughters Bonnie Lawrence of Metamora, MI and Dr. Connie (David) Hyler-Both of West Virginia; three grandchildren, Will (Nicole) Lawrence of Brighton, MI., Erica (Shawn) Bashore of Carmel, IN. and Emily Hyler-Both of West Virginia; three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, her son Ronald Both, infant daughter, and son-in-law Bruce Lawrence.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to share a memory or condolences may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Donations may be made to Zion United Church of Christ of Baroda or the American Red Cross.
Posted On: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 8:22 AM
