Joyce Elaine Walters

Joyce Elaine Walters, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at her home in West Branch surrounded by her family and many friends. Joyce was born in Hope, MI on March 29, 1939, to Willard and Erma (Thomas) Miller.

She married Bill Walters on June 8, 1957 in West Branch. They were married for 64 years before Bill passed away in 2021. Joyce worked at Taylor Building for 39 years.

Joyce enjoyed serving her community and throughout the years did so through multiple organizations. She was a girl scout leader, camp director of Camp Wigwah, NRA instructor for hunting safety, a Red Hat Society lady and member of the Fraternal Order of Foresters. She also volunteered for hospice for 25 years. Her special love was assisting the blind and spent much of her time at blind camp.

Joyce was the Red Cross Chapter Chairman for the West Branch Seventh Day Adventist Church Disaster Team. She drove her motorhome to Louisiana to serve the communities hit hard by Hurricane Katrinia, where she ran a mobile food kitchen. During the pandemic, she delivered food baskets to those in need.

She was the financial secretary treasure for the local UAW, which peaked her interest in politics. During that period of her life, she met several presidents, senators, and members of congress.

Above all, she loved her family and church. She traveled with family and friends to 49 states. She spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; whether it was a special trip, a fishing day and barbeque, or walking to the Little League Fields to watch them play ball.

When she had nothing else to do, she would paint pictures, quilt, crochet, work on puzzles, or play cards with friends. Don’t forget to bring a milkshake.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Becky (Dave) Chomas; sons Nick (Wendy Rose) Walters and Les (Kathy) Walters. She is the oldest of four siblings, sisters Sharon (Ken) Robinson, Sonya Bennett, Kay (Chuck) Nichols, and brother Bill (Sandy) Miller. Her grandchildren Mary (Chad) Hillman, Helena (Brian) McDonald, Brian (Erin) Chomas, Daren (Sarah) Walters, Tiffany (Chris) Milham, Jamie (John) Szkubiel, Jacie (Matt Peterson) Lucas, and Jorie (Todd Spychalski) Lucas, 19 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, brother in law, and sister in law.

She lived a full and blessed life and will be missed by many.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at the funeral home on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Selkirk Cemetery in West Branch. Pastor Anthony Ludwig will officiate.

Online condolence can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com