Joan Lee Hyatt
Joan Lee Hyatt, 92, of Charlotte, formerly of Eaton Rapids and East Tawas, died peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in Lansing. Joan was born April 14, 1933 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Donald and Mildred (Ruehle) Davison. Soon after graduated high school she married the love of her life, Maurice J. Hyatt on June 10, 1950 in Concord, MI. Maurice and Joan enjoyed 52 years together raising three children at home on the farm. Maurice was a calf roper on the rodeo circuit, and they would often host his fellow rodeo cowboys at their indoor arena. When they finished, Joan always had a hearty meal ready for the group. She loved to host and cook food for her family and friends. In fact, the Hyatt homestead was often a gathering place for fellowship and good food.
Although she loved being on the farm, Joan worked in several careers throughout her lifetime. In her early years, she and her sister would help their dad make road signs in his welding shop. She also worked in a factory in Jackson. She was a nurse’s aide in Eaton Rapids at the hospital and worked several years as a secretary for the Michigan State Employees Association.
Joan was most at peace in the outdoors, especially fishing on the Tawas Lake in East Tawas, where they lived for many years. She and her husband went bear hunting in the Upper Peninsula a few times, and loved travelling, especially in mountains out West. Joan also loved playing the piano. She was a woman of deep Faith, and was a devout member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 70 years.
Joan is survived by her son, Steven (Diana) Hyatt of East Tawas, MI; daughters, Linda (Dave) Siple of Eaton Rapids and Tamara (William) Otis of Charlotte; 10 grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Hyatt, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, Stacey (Gary) Meyer, Becky (Frank) Psurny, David (Susan) Siple, Jarred (Katina) Siple, Stephen Otis, Christa (Lee) Hude, Justin (Tina) Otis, and Jamie (Ray) Goheen; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Jan) Squires; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Maurice; sister, Jackie Williams-Kasten; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 40 N. Chester Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.