Joyce I. Montgomery's Obituary
Mrs. Joyce I. Montgomery, age 83, passed away early Friday, May 7, 2021. Joyce was born on March 4, 1938 to Barteld and Irene (Homfeld) Vredeveld in Muskegon, MI. She married Robert Hansard in 1958. Then on March 11, 1972, she married James Montgomery at the Eastlawn Reformed Church. Together they cherished 44 years of marriage full of love and laughter. He preceded her in death on October 12, 2016. She dedicated 16 years working for Norge/Fedders, where she specialized in clerical work, until she retired in 1998. She was a life member of the VFW Post #3734. Joyce was artsy by nature and truly enjoyed crafts and knitting. Above all things, she loved spending time with her family. She was a tender-loving spirit that will truly be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her 3 children, Ronald (Linda) Hansard of Norton Shores, MI, Robin (Jeffery) Dufort of Sparta, MI and Rebecca (Robert) Gifford of Goodyear, AZ; 7 grandchildren, Ryan (Jeannie) Hansard of Norton Shores, MI, Robert (Tiffany) Hansard of Portage, MI, Robert (Kelsey) Gifford of Tempe, AZ, Eric (Hannah) Gifford of Oregon City, OR, Karen (Jonathan) Hall of Tucson, AZ, Kaleigh (Paul) Pant of Sparta, MI, and Jimmy (fiancé Megan Cramer) Dufort of Sparta, MI; 8 great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Zoey Hansard, Porter Hansard, Blakely, Colbie and Isla Gifford, Amelia Hall, and Nora Pant; 3 sisters-in-law, Mitzi Shmidt of MI, Mary Lou (Sidney) Turpin of MO and Debra (Doug) Vavra of TX; brother-in-law, Bob (Debbie) Montgomery of TX; several nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, James Montgomery; infant son, Randall Lee; father of her children, Robert Hansard; 2 brothers, James Vredeveld and Alan Vredeveld; and sister-in-law, Ann Vredeveld. A Celebrational Gathering to honor Joyce’s life will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2-5:00 PM at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. The gathering will be limited to 25 people at a time. Memorial Contributions in Joyce’s honor can be made direct to the Plainfield Christian Church – Youth Group, 7255 Pine Island Dr. NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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