Joyce Waterman, 92, of Holland, MI passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 4, 2022. She was born on June 1, 1930 in Allegan, MI to Jack and May Arndt of Allegan, MI. Joyce spent two of her high school years with her grandmother in Arizona. After graduating from High School Joyce met her husband Russell and started their family of three children, Steve, Janet and Marilyn.
A big part of Joyce’s married life was spent on the family farm helping to raise dairy cattle, taking care of her horses (she owned several over the years) and assisting her children with 4-H projects. She also worked many years as a secretary for Pine Trails Elementary school and at McFarland jewelry store in Allegan. Joyce loved to crochet and made several blankets for her children and grandchildren and to give away. Joyce had a love of flower gardening and had many beautiful gardens over the years. She had a special fondness for roses and while living at American House in Zeeland she would share her roses with the other residents. Joyce loved to travel and did travel with her husband Russell to many places around the United States and at times they took their grandchildren with them. They spent many winters in Texas escaping Michigan snow. After Russell’s passing and while Joyce was living at American House, she met her neighbor, Graham Markes. Their friendship unexpectedly blossomed and she eventually married him. They enjoyed ten years of marriage. They also enjoyed many trips and cruises and they loved family gatherings. Joyce and Graham helped in the assisted living buildings with painting and coloring activities for the residents.
We also remember Joyce for her love for the Lord and for serving and helping others in her local church and serving the people she was living around. Joyce and Russell attended Bloomingdale Bible Church while living on their farm, Allegan Baptist after moving to Allegan and Zeeland Methodist after moving to Zeeland. She and Graham attended Zeeland Methodist and First Presbyterian of Holland after getting married. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was ready to tell anyone about Jesus and His saving grace.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husbands, Russell Faye Waterman and Graham William Markes, and daughters, Marilyn Diane Waterman, and Janet Elaine Strout.
Joyce is survived by her son Steve (Ruth) Waterman, her son-in-law Garry Strout, sister Nancy Carpenter, six grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren.
A service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be 11:00am, December 16, 2022 (Friday) at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland.
Visitation will be from 6-8:00pm, December 15, and from 10:00am until the time of the service on December 16 at Lakeshore Memorial.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com for further information.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
