Joyce Elaine Rathburn
Joyce Elaine Rathburn, a lifelong resident of Vermontville, died Sunday, May 31, at the age of 93. Joyce was born on April 20, 1933 to Lawerance and Dorthy (Childs) Thrun.
Joyce was Vermontville’s first woman mail carrier, retiring after more than 32 years of service. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, watching every game with a cold beer and some popcorn. Another passion was playing golf. She helped organize an annual outing for her lady’s golf league with silly games and competitions.
Joyce loved Vermontville and was an active member of many organizations. She was a member of the First Congregational Church and the Vermontville Women’s Club. She started the first Girl Scout troop in Vermontville and served as a leader and trainer for over 20 years. She also organized the scout leaders in seven neighboring towns, creating their own “Seventh Heaven” leadership group. Every February, the leaders would gather for a long weekend of fellowship, laughs and mischief, becoming lifelong friends. Eventually
earning “Life Time Member” status.
Joyce was a strong, independent woman. Even after the passing of her husband, Jack, she lived on her own for several years with the support of family, friends and to her wonderful neighbor, Judy Scott, who spent many hours visiting and bringing her lots of baked treats. Also, her caretaker, Debbie Shriver, whose assistance allowed her to remain in her home.
Special thanks to the Vermontville EMS Department who helped watch over her and helped set her on her feet when she stumbled.
She is survived by her children Steven “Peggy” Rathburn, Patty “Alan” Hamlin, Trudy “Jim” Jager and Philip “Sue” Rathburn. Joyce loved her family and enjoyed spending time playing with her grand kids; Gregg “Kathy” Rathburn, Holly “Mike” Brandt, Meredith “Drew” Nicholoff, Kelsey “Kyle” Stolicker, Sueann Bowen, Chancy “Amber” Rathburn, Kara “Jon” Bowers and her great grandchildren; Chase, Cruize, Cayll, and Knox Rathburn, Logan and Layla Bowers, Audrey Nicholoff, Kamden, Kaylee and Khloe Stolicker, Kennedy and Lucus Rathburn, and Evonne Kwaiser.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack, sister Connie Townsend, and her great-grand son Elijah Rathburn.
Celebration of Life arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Michigan, on Sunday, June 14. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funeral services are 12:30 to 1 p.m., with a luncheon to follow.
In keeping with Joyce’s love for the Tigers, the family encourages everyone to wear your Tigers swag to the celebration. Maybe this will encourage the team to win more games this season.
The family is planning to add a memorial planter to the Vermontville Village Park, and those wishing to donate can send or give contributions to Steve or send them to: Steve Rathburn PO Box 193 Vermontville, Michigan, 49096.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home, 9200 East M-79 Highway, Nashville, Michigan. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.