Joyce Elaine Aven, age 80, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Monday afternoon, November 12, 2018, in the comfort of her family’s presence.
Joyce was born July 6, 1938 in Cassopolis, Michigan, the youngest of four children born to Albert Milan and Blanche Gilchrist. She married Howard Dewayne Aven October 7, 1956 in Cassopolis. He survives.
Joyce was a homebody who was devoted to her husband and whose children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of her life. She was so particular about her house that the family would tease about burying her with the vacuum cleaner. She worked for Cassopolis Public Schools as a payroll administrator. She and her husband were avid sports fans, attending every Cassopolis activity and game. Joyce loved singing. She attended Southwest Michigan College for about fifteen years by taking one music class after another. She was a devoted member of her church family. Joyce was an active volunteer in both her church and community. Her family describes her as being “old school” so selfless that she would do anything for anybody.
Joyce will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Dewayne Aven of Cassopolis; one daughter, Kerrie (Ronnie) Bass of Edwardsburg; two sons, Ken (Myndi) Aven of Edwardsburg, Kevin (Ann) Aven of Noblesville, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Logan Aven, Jacob Aven, Griffin Aven, Beth (Leif) Werner, Chelsea (Nick) Yoder, Justina (Aloysius) Schmucker, Daniel Bass; eight great grandchildren, Tristan Werner, Ronan Werner, Charlotte Yoder, Ava Yoder, Avan Schmucker, Aloysius Schmucker, Camden Schmucker, Madelyne Schmucker; one sister, Audrey Buchan of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Barbara Pointer; and one brother, David Gilchrist.
Family and friends will gather Friday, November 16, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in Community Baptist Church, 28647 US Highway 12, Edwardsburg, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The family prefers memorial contributions in Joyce’s name be made to Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, Michigan 49127.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.