Joanne Marie Sturgis

     Joanne Marie Sturgis, age 93, of Elsie, MI, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton, St. Johns, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, at 10:45 A.M. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with Pastor Phillip Rogers officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI and also on Saturday from 9 A.M. until the time of the service. A private burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI at a later date.
     Joanne was born in Fairfield Township, Michigan on June 14, 1931, the daughter of Leon S. and Ruth E. (Partlow) Williams. She graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1949 and on September 22, 1951, Joanne married her high school sweetheart Richard R. "Dick" Sturgis. They were blessed with sixty-three years of marriage prior to his passing on October 16, 2014.
     Joanne dedicated many years to the Elsie Bank and later retired from Midland Ross after 25 years as a data processor. She found joy in bird watching, baking, and word search puzzles, and she could often be found watching sports or playing cards—solitaire being her favorite. She and Dick, along with their family, created lasting memories during their trips out west and cherished their time spent at Crystal Lake.
     One of Joanne's favorite places was her porch, where she enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and friends on West Oak Street. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. A dedicated member of the community, Joanne was involved in the Elsie Literary Club, the Elsie Lioness Club, and was a founding member of the Elsie All Class Reunion. She also actively supported the Elsie Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, reflecting her lifelong commitment to the community.
     She is survived by her sons Douglas Sturgis of Elsie, MI, Dennis and Anne Sturgis of St. Johns, MI, Kevin Tishler of Lake Placid, Florida, grandchildren: Ashley and Steve Mayor of East Lansing, MI, Brandon Sturgis (Zhana) of Royal Oak, MI, Courtney Sturgis (Bryan) of Ferndale, MI, Erika Sturgis (Justin) of Three Rivers, MI, Shannon Sturgis and fiancé Neil Daeschlein of Saginaw, MI. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Riann, Tison, Karsyn, Hawkin, Grant, and David, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick, son Daniel Sturgis, brother Glenn and Cleo Williams, and sister Helen and Kaye Potter.
     Memorials may be made to the Elsie Lioness Club. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.