Obituary of Delores Rose Joyce
Delores Rose (Barkway) Joyce was born at her family’s home in Monroe, Michigan on June 3, 1933, the only child born to the union of Cleo and Mable (Blohm) Barkway. She was a lifelong resident of Monroe and attended Monroe Public Schools. As a young woman, she was employed by Woolworth’s Department Store in Downtown Monroe. Delores was joined in marriage to Donald Joyce on November 2, 1956 at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe. The couple were blessed with a son and a daughter.
Delores dedicated her life to being a wife and mother and cherished every moment watching her children grow up. She was always quick to jump at the chance to chaperone her daughter, Debra, and her friends for their high school band’s field trips. She also loved spending time with granddaughter, Kara, and thought of her husband, Mike, as a grandson.
A lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church, she was well known for being kind and friendly. Having such an amiable personality made her the perfect Youth Counselor for the Walter League Youth Group. She was also a member of the Ladies Aide, a group that would meet monthly to maintain the kitchen at the church. They also worked together to provide funeral luncheons. A “sweet lady”, she was the familiar face that everyone loved.
Delores Rose Joyce, age 87, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, January 4, 2021 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. She was preceded by her parents; her husband: Donald; and brother and sister in-law: Kenneth and Mary Joyce.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her daughter: Debra (Michael) Ellison; son: Donald Joyce; and granddaughter: Kara (Mike) Robbins.
Family and friends may gather on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 630 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. Interment at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan will immediately follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the State of Michigan mandates, guests will be limited in number, face coverings are required for entry and no food or beverages may be brought inside the building.
Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.