Aug. 8, 1938 – March 17, 2022
Nellie “Joyce” Sturrus Webb, of Kalamazoo, was born Aug. 8, 1938, the youngest of four children, to Catherine (DeWaal) and Marinus Sturrus in Grand Rapids, MI.
Not one to complain, Joyce faced physical challenges that would seem insurmountable to most, but with the help of her devoted caregivers, family, and friends, she led a life of purpose until the end. In hospice care, she died on her wedding anniversary at home in Kalamazoo with her family by her side.
As first-generation Americans, Joyce and her siblings took nothing for granted and made the most of every opportunity to excel in school and work while growing up in Muskegon. Their parents, immigrants from the Netherlands, taught them to trust God, love their family and neighbors, work hard, and serve others. As an independent working mother, Joyce chose a career in insurance sales to support her family. With a genuine interest in others, it was a career that suited her well.
After her children were grown, Joyce remarried and moved from Fruitport to Jenison, where she lived for 25 years with her husband, Ronald Webb, who preceded her in death, Feb. 18, 2008. Also preceding her in death were her parents; her sisters and their husbands, Mary (Burt) Tjapkes and Margaret (Alan) Workman; and her sister-in-law, Betty Sturrus.
She leaves a lasting legacy of love and service to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. Joyce is survived by her three children of the late Glen Howard Midkiff, Glen Midkiff of New Boston, Cathy (Gary) Arrans of Paw Paw, and Gregory (Lisa Shanley) Midkiff of Mattawan; her seven grandchildren, Beth Caudill, Gary (Denise) Arrans, Cara Arrans, Samathia (Zac) Michalik, Glen Midkiff, Dale Midkiff, and Cody Shanley; four great-grandchildren, Bradley Caudill, Justinian and Alexander Arrans, and Isabella Michalik; and a great-great granddaughter Addilyn Caudill. She also cherished time spent with her husband, Ron’s children and grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her beloved brother, Peter (Carolyn) Sturrus; many nieces and nephews; lifelong friends and cherished new friends she made at Hope Woods.
To honor Joyce’s wishes, she has been cremated and a private family gathering to celebrate her life is being planned for a later date.
Her family is forever grateful to her many caregivers and to Pastor G. Ben Bowater, IV, of RedArrow Ministries.
As an alumni of West Michigan Christian High School, memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Christian High School, 455 E. Ellis Road, Norton Shores, MI, 49441 in memory of Nellie Joyce Webb.
You are invited to share a memory of Joyce on her tribute wall at: www.adamspawpaw.com