Joyce Irene Ash age 85 passed away Monday, February 8, 2016 at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell.
She was born March 22, 1930 in Saginaw MI, the daughter of Alva and Velma (Martin) Baker. Joyce grew up on her family farm, graduated from Breckenridge High School and attended Central Michigan University where she met the love of her life, Basil Ash. They were married in Breckenridge on November 12, 1949. Their lives were blessed with the adoptions of Matthew and Melissa. Joyce and Basil moved to Otsego in 1952 where Joyce worked at Spam Brass, Michigan Cottage Cheese and Yoplait. In 1982 they moved to Minnesota where Joyce continued to work for Yoplait, a division of General Mills until her retirement in 1991. They returned to Otsego in 1999.
Together they enjoyed summers at the lake in Minnesota, winters in the south and traveling in general. In her spare time Joyce enjoyed baking, cooking, shopping, spending time with friends and attending the United Methodist Church in Otsego where she was an active member and part of the “Apple Dumpling Gang”. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was very proud of each one of them who adoringly called her “Gram”. Her great-grandchildren gave her so much joy as she watched them grow and learn. When things didn’t go right, Joyce said “Oh Boo” and for that her great-grandchildren refer to her as Grandma Boo or GG Boo. Her contagious smile will be missed by all that knew her.
She is survived by her children, Matthew (Glenda) Ash of Martin and Melissa (Charles) Coomer of Otsego, MN; five grandchildren, Sheila (Rob) Sarro, Tracey (Jeff) Bryant and Megan, Emily and Nicole Coomer; four great-grandchildren, Robbie, Sammy and Savana Sarro and Liam Bryant; her sister, Barb (Bob) VanDette and by 16 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2006.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
Friends may visit with Joyce’s family starting at noon on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the Otsego United Methodist Church until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Burial of ashes will take place at a later time at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to the
Otsego United Methodist Church
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
. Oh Boo!
Offer Condolence for the family of Joyce I. Ash
Condolence Messages
Deborah Mendez
February 8, 2016 at 3:03 pm
Matt and Missy so sorry for your loss thinking of you and ur families as u go through this difficult time. God bless
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Cindy Culver Gordon
February 8, 2016 at 3:20 pm
Matt, Melissa and families, Condolences to all. Joyce was my boss, my mentor and a great friend for many years. She is missed by the many lives she touched during her esteemed career; lots of good memories. RIP my friend.
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Nichole strobel
February 8, 2016 at 4:23 pm
My condolences to you Matt, Glenda, and melissa. Joyce was a beautiful person who will forever be missed! Taking care of her was an honor and a privilege! Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh will always be in my greatest memories! She became not just my resident, but my friend, and I will never forget her <3 RIH Joycey
#teamfreedomwalkers
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Tammy Thompson-Drake
February 8, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Prayers with you all, so very sorry. God Bless You and wrap his loving arms around you.
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Dan, Becky, Katie and Jennifer Esch
February 8, 2016 at 7:45 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the warm embrace of family and friends during this difficult time. Sending love and prayers your way. We love you all.
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Jessica
February 8, 2016 at 8:28 pm
Joycie, I am so heart broken that you’re gone but I am so inspired by your life. You were so strong, soft, tender and loving. I am am so truly going to miss you! Your death has left a hole in my heart but the love you’ve shared with me I will take it and spread it to everyone I meet. R.I.P. my sweet lady
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Michele Pulver
February 8, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Matt, Missy and families, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My heart aches for your excruciating loss. My prayers for peace and comfort are with you during these difficult days and weeks ahead. It was an extreme privilege to sing Christmas Carols with your Mom at Christmas time at the lodge. She will be so missed here, but so well received where she is !!!
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Jessica Reetz
February 8, 2016 at 10:33 pm
I am heart broken by her death but I am inspired by her life! She inspired me to love people deeply, to laugh louder, and she taught me that the human body may have pain but when you love from your heart it doesn’t hurt so much. Oh Joycie how you will be missed. R.I.P. my friend until we meet again.
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Janell Migrants Glantz
February 9, 2016 at 8:35 am
My heart is with you Matt and Missy. Your mom was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. You were lucky to have her as your mother, but I know you know that. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish we could be there to give you a hug. Love to you and yours.
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Craig and Lorna Sisson
February 9, 2016 at 10:02 am
Dear Matt, Missy and families
Our hearts are so saddened by your great loss and the loss for all of us who knew this wonderful lady. Her smile brightened up a room and her caring heart touched all of us. We are blessed to have known her.
I will particularly miss her hugs, love and supportive smile as I looked into our congregation and saw her twinkling eyes smiling back at me when singing with the Praise Team and Choir. She has left wonderful memories for all of us. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you at this difficult time.
Your parents were always close friends of Red and Ellen and I can still hear the laughter and see their smiling faces when the couples got together. Your Mom always radiated good will even in her later years and declining health. She will be missed.
In Christ’s Love,
Craig and Lorna
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Dick and Della Bellgraph
February 9, 2016 at 10:02 am
Sorry to hear about your loss, prayers to you and your family.
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Frank and Kathy Herbert
February 9, 2016 at 10:07 am
Thinking of you and your family at this time.
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Fred and June
February 9, 2016 at 10:30 am
Matt and Glenda So sorry for your loss Sorry we cant be there with you. You are in our thoughts and Prayers Love you Fred and June
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Teri (Osmus) Lemke
February 9, 2016 at 2:13 pm
Matt, Missy and families – I was so sad to hear about the passing of Joyce! Your mom was so nice and I always enjoyed talking and seeing her! My thoughts will be with you tomorrow.
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The Rock @ 5:00 O'clock Family
February 9, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Matt and Glenda and families, We are holding you close in prayer during this most difficult time. Please know you are loved!
Hugs,
Your Rock family
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Joyce (Seekman) Jenkins
February 9, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Matt and Glenda, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are here for support and hugs, always!
Our sincerest sympathies,
Scott and Joyce
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The Rock @ 5:00 O'clock
February 9, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Matt & Glenda,
We send our deepest sympathies to you and your families during this difficult season.
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Colleen Ziemer
February 9, 2016 at 11:56 pm
Matt and Ginny, So sorry to hear of your loss. I didn’t know your Mom very well, but she seemed like a very nice lady and I know she will be missed. Colleen
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Kim Fenner Sheldon
February 10, 2016 at 2:10 am
Matt, Glenda and Missy, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your parents were both great people.
Our sympathies,
Bryon and Kim Sheldon
Fairhope, AL
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Bryon & Kandy Campbell
February 10, 2016 at 7:19 am
Joyce was one of the kindest people I ever met. Her influence on my in my early years (teenage) was profound. Between her and Basil, they were the stabilizing people in my life. I don’t think I would be the person I am today without having them in my life during those difficult years……
Prayers to Matt, Missy, and their families……
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Terry Bellingar Toddy
February 10, 2016 at 11:29 am
Matt, Missy and family. So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was always so warm and loving. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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Terry Bellingar Toddy
February 10, 2016 at 11:44 am
Matt, Missy and family.
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a wonderfully warm and caring person. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
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Kay Miller Snyder
February 10, 2016 at 11:59 am
Missy abd Matt;
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Mother. Sending prayers for strength to get you through this difficult time.
Kay
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Kay Miller Snyder
February 10, 2016 at 12:01 pm
The Class of 1980
Sends there condolences to Missy and Matt during this difficult time.
We are thinking of you!
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stacey syers
February 10, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Missy and Matt,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Joyce was one of the kindest people, and what a wonderful mother to you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your entire families. With Love, Stacey
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Terry Bellingar Toddy
February 10, 2016 at 1:05 pm
Matt, Missy And family.
So Sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a wonderfully warm and caring person. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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Lori Hover Burrows
February 10, 2016 at 1:11 pm
God Bless your mom and my prayers are with you and your families at this time of loss.
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Sally Thaxton Betzner and Brian Betzner
February 10, 2016 at 3:41 pm
Sending prayers at this difficult time
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Tammy Lutes
February 10, 2016 at 8:45 pm
Missy & Matt, sending my deepest condolences to both of you, along with your family and friends, following the recent loss of your mom. We grew up together, spent time in 4-H together and even went to school together…so I certainly so I certainly sympathize with your loss. I don’t think I’ve seen Missy since our college days at LSSC…and it’s been even longer since I’ve seen Matt. I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you much peace and comfort at this difficult time. Please take care.
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Cindy Trammell (Black)
February 10, 2016 at 11:43 pm
Matt and Missy,
My condolences on the loss of your mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy
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Joyce and Bill Spencer
February 11, 2016 at 7:08 pm
Missy, Matt, and Glenda,
We are so sorry about the loss of your mom. She has been a special friend for a long time. She was such a sweet lady and we will miss her so much. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
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Karen Panse McNees
February 13, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Matt, Missy and families, hugs and prayers! So sorry to learn of your loss! So many great memories of growing up as neighbors! Your mom was truly special!! Love to you all! Xo
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