Joyce Thrush

Joyce Lavena Thrush, age 86, of Elwell, MI passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at her home.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Tom McNerney officiating.  Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery St. Louis, MI.  Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.

Joyce was born in Leslie, Michigan on October 10, 1929, the daughter of Riley Simison and Ruby (Husted) Packer. She married Keith Thrush in 1948. Keith passed away on April 11, 2013.

Joyce retired from the Masonic Home as a registered nurse. Joyce loved reading, bird watching and gardening.  She was a devoted wife.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and her cat Oreo.  Joyce was a member of the Vestaburg Church of Christ.

She is survived by her children; Richard and Bonnie Keene, Dawn Little, Linda Brooks, and Michael Thrush, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and brothers; Leonard and Faye Simison and Garold and Wanda Simison.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Keith, son in law Bob Little, brother in law Alfred Thrush and twin infant siblings.

Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Commission on Aging.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Louis, Michigan.