Joyce Iris Miller

Joyce Iris Miller, 87, of Port Austin, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe where her late husband also passed September 28, 2016. Both lived healthy lives to the end, and had sudden strokes to the brain stem, dying peacefully and at rest with family surrounding them in a manner they had always prayed for diligently.

Joyce was born May 16, 1930 in Detroit to the late Percy and Evelyn (Hoopfer) Butler. She married Paul C. Miller on June 6, 1953 in Charleviox.  They raised their two boys in Armada until moving to Lake Township in 1988.  Joyce worked outside the home for 10 years in the Armada Area School System as the confidential secretary to the superintendent of schools during the 1970's. Joyce was a masterful cook, and devoted her life to family and friends, seeing the best in everyone. To all of her neighbors, church friends, grandchildren, children, and other relatives, Joyce Iris Miller leaves a wonderful legacy of created songs, poetry, good advice, and the most wonderful and happy memories.

Joyce is survived by two sons:  Robert (Mei) of Hillsdale and James (Paula) of Berville; six grandchildren:  Christine Ducat/Keller and Jake and Julie Miller of Phoenix, and Rebecca Ritch of Thomaston, GA, Aaron Miller of Norton Shores, and Matthew Miller of Hillsdale; three great-grandchildren: Giada, Lydia, and Connor Ritch; and two sisters: Ruth (Allen) Hanson of Petoskey and Sharon Lyons of Kansas.

A memorial service will be 1:00 pm Saturday, February 10th at the Hayes United Methodist Church with the Rev. Matthew Chapman officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Champagne Funeral Chapel.