Joyce L. Hodges' Obituary
Mrs. Joyce L. Hodges, 84, passed away early Saturday, September 16, 2023. She was born October 15, 1938, to Bertram and Dora (Racette) Cattley in Muskegon. Joyce obtained her Master of Education Degree from Michigan State University and was a pre-school and kindergarten teacher in the Grand Rapids Public Schools where she taught for over 36 years, before retiring in 1996. She enjoyed travel and playing the piano, and was a member of First Congregational Church in Muskegon.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert “Bob” W. Christian in 1995. Joyce and Bob lived in Grand Rapids during their entire marriage of over 35 years, where they raised two children, enjoyed their careers, and traveled whenever possible.
Joyce later married William “Bill” Hodges, who had also recently lost his wife to illness. Joyce and Bill had been lifelong friends, and had even attended each other’s weddings in the same church (First Congregational Church of Muskegon) where they were eventually married. They lived primarily in Muskegon, but also enjoyed their retirement community in Tucson, establishing many lasting relationships. During their nearly 25-year marriage, Joyce and Bill travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada in an RV, and made many friends along the way.
In addition to her RV travels with Bill throughout their years together, Joyce also traveled to Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, and almost every corner of the United States. She loved to travel to meet new people and experience other cultures, and always made new friends on every journey.
Joyce is survived by her husband Bill along with two children: Deborah (Daniel) Schuitema and Robert (Barbara) Christian; three grandchildren: Kari (Brad) Moore, Cassandra Christian, Kelsey (James Costa) Christian; two great-grandchildren: Sydney Moore and Quinn Moore, as well as Bill’s four sons, their wives, and their many children and grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her sister Gayle Lone in 2016.
A service to remember and celebrate Joyce’s life will be held Tuesday, October 24, at 2:00 PM at First Congregational Church, 1201 Jefferson St., Muskegon, 49441. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Contributions in memory of Joyce Hodges may be made to Faith Hospice or First Congregational Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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