Joyce E. Yerxa
Joyce Elane Yerxa, age 86, of Farmersville, Ill., and formerly of Eaton Rapids, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, February 24, 2020. Joyce was born on the Twichell family farm in Eaton Rapids on April 12, 1933, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Gardner) Twichell. She was raised in Eaton Rapids, where she graduated from high school in the class of 1951. Although Joyce primarily stayed at home raising her children and taking care of the family, she did spend time working at Lansing General Hospital, Eaton Rapids Woolen Mill and Ivy Manor Nursing Home. She was a talented crocheter and tater who made beautiful pieces and learned her craft because of her Auntie Rose Ribby. Joyce was also a devout Christian and a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Girard, Ill. Joyce had a nourishing but playful personality; she was always there to take care of a family member or friend in need but also loved to play practical jokes and roughhouse with her grandchildren. Above all, Joyce was a beloved mother, grandmother and mother-in-law who adored her family and the time she spent with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin Yerxa; siblings, Virginia Purvis, Ron Twichell, Ruth Foster, Raymond Twichell, Janet Smith-Allman and several nieces and nephews.
Surviving are her daughter, Pamela (Ronald) Morrow; son, Steven (Rose) Yerxa; grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Hughes, Becky Welsh, Patrick Morrow, Jason (Amanda) Burgess, William (Lindsi) Morrow, Steven Morrow, Joe (Kristie) Yerxa, Cecil Yerxa, Andre Simmons-Holt, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.
Funeral services were scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel, with visitation starting at noon. Burial will be immediately following at Rosehill Cemetery, along with a reception at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club located at 4483 Freeman Rd. in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.