Joyce Marie Ekkel's Obituary
Joyce Marie Ekkel, age 78, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, May 20, 2022, at home. She was born May 8, 1944, in Muskegon, MI to William and Helen (Cole) LeBaron.
As a teenager, Joyce was passionately involved in her church, Sullivan Community Church. She graduated from Ravenna High School in 1962 and attended Baker Business College.
Joyce met the love of her life, James Ekkel, on September 28, 1965, at the Hi-Way Roller Rink. They announced their engagement 3 months later and were married on July 23, 1966. Directly after and until she retired, she worked for the Muskegon County Treasurer's office in accounting, retiring in 2002. Joyce and her husband, Jim, served as foster parents to over a dozen children. They also served as president and vice-president of the Whitehall Music Boosters and heavily supported the National Kidney Foundation, as Jim was the recipient of three kidney transplants. After Jim passed, Joyce moved to Lloyd's Bayou Retirement Community (now known as Baldwin House) in Spring Lake. She served as the president of the Lloyd's Bayou Resident Association for many years where she loved organizing and hosting events with her close friend, John Deal, quickly becoming known as "J & J Bistro". She and her friends also formed the "Bayou Babes", a scooter gang. She enjoyed playing card games and others including euchre, meme and bingo with her many friends. She was lovingly known by her family as the "Cheater”, due to her winning most games she played. Her friends would attest to this fact. Most of all, she spent her life devoted to caring for her family and was very involved with her grandchildren.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christine (Joe) Doyle; son, Richard (Liz) Pierce; six grandchildren: Jessica (Blake) Arceneaux, Dylan (Kristin) Lindblom, Zachary Pierce, Bradley Pierce, Jack Doyle and Jesse Doyle; two great-grandchildren, Bentley and Evelynn Arceneaux; two brothers, William “Bill” (Delores “Dee”) LeBaron and Frank LeBaron; special friend, John Deal and best friend, Nancy Franczek. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel DeVanney and Rosanna Huntley; and one brother, Arthur LeBaron.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday May 25, 2022, at Baldwin House Senior Living Lloyd’s Bayou with Rev. Dave Watkins officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at Baldwin House. Memorials to National Kidney Foundation are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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