Joyce Ann Gunden

Joyce Ann Gunden, 88, of Pigeon, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe.

Joyce was born January 24, 1934 in Bay Port to the late Thomas and Dorothy Swartzendruber. In 1951 she graduated from Pigeon High School. She married Olin Gunden September 16, 1952 at Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church; she was preceded in death by her husband on May 26, 2020.

She retired as a nurse’s aid from Scheurer Hospital and also worked managing the family farm. Joyce was a lifelong member of Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church. She loved antiques, garage sales, Albrecht Auctions, and making bean soup for the Michigan Mennonite Relief Sale. A genuine nurturer, she spent her life in service to God and family.

Joyce is survived by her children Pamela of Pigeon, Angela (Mike) McCormick of Pigeon, Yvonne (Jim) Beschoner of Caro, and Stephanie (William) Kruse of Bay Port; grandchildren Ryan, Eric, Jana, Carly, Kelsey, Alec, Nathan, Casey, Hilary, Randi, Allyson, and Cole; 20 great-grandchildren; and brother Gary Swartzendruber of Salina, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her son Dean and brother Lowell Swartzendruber.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Thursday, July 21st at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Scot Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Michigan Ave. Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00am Thursday and continue until the time of the service.

Memorials may be made to the Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church.