Joyce VanSickle

Joyce Joann VanSickle, 89 of Perrinton, MI passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Rosewood Adult Foster Care, Ithaca, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor John Gosselin of Mount Hope Church - Hubbardston officiating. Burial will take place at Sowle Cemetery, Essex, MI.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 2-4 P.M. at the funeral home.

Joyce was born in rural Perrinton, MI at her parents' home on May 17, 1928, the daughter of Vern and Reba (Underwood) Craig.  She attended Fulton High School and was the salutatorian of the class of 1946.  At 5 years of age Joyce met Joe when she and her family came over to borrow his kindergarten book. Seventeen years later in June, Joe tried to pick her up from a dance and she refused, but accepted his request for a date.  Six months later, on December 13, 1950 Joyce married Joe VanSickle at her sister Dorothy's home in Maple Rapids, MI. Joyce and Joe celebrated 67 years of marriage last December.

Joyce was a devoted mother, grandmother and daughter.  She had a special love for children, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family enjoyed her culinary skills, especially her homemade pies. Joyce and Joe enjoyed camping and traveling across the country in their retirement.  Her prayer group friends, especially Marylynn, were a very important part of her life.  Joyce had a passion for sharing the Gospel with everyone, desiring that all would be saved.

Joyce is survived by her husband Joe, daughters: Sue (James) Balger of Roscommon and Joanie (Todd) Birdsall of Lansing; grandchildren: Abigail (Thomas) Reed, Michael (Katie) Balger, Mark (Hannah) Birdsall, David (Ana) Birdsall, and Juliee Birdsall; great grandchildren: Wyatt, Silas, Samuel, Jack, Lael, Annie, Lucy, Emelia, Thomas, and Anthony; sister Carol Barton, brothers: Gaylord Craig and James (Shirley) Craig; and many, many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her aunt Lorraine Underwood Wright. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, son Craig VanSickle, siblings: Dorothy Shook, Clare (Mary) Craig, Gene Craig, and Jack Craig.

Memorials may be made to Mount Hope Church - Hubbardston. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.