Joyce Darlene Pickard, 81, of Traverse City, died Mon, Jan 7, 2020 at Grand Traverse Pavilions. She was born on Dec 27, 1938 in Traverse City the daughter of William John and Nellie Marie (Richardson) Ritola.
Joyce graduated from Traverse Central High School in 1957.
Joyce was a veteran, serving in the US Air Force.
She formerly worked at Burwood Products and retired from Walmart. Joyce was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
She enjoyed reading, doing word search, watching wildlife outside, Animal Planet and talking about the history of Traverse City. Joyce loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Randy) Emeott; grandchildren, Kayla (Charles) Springsteen and Kelsey (Ryan Essenmacher) Emeott; great grandsons, Sam Springsteen and Beck Emeott; sisters, Janette Hammond and Ricarda (Mike) Bird; brothers, Terry (Ger) Ritola and John (Maureen) Ritola; and step daughters, Cheryl Stoll and Corinna (Dana Garner) Pickard; as well as many nices and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chester Pickard; sister, Barbara Hahnenberg; and stepson, Jeff Pickard.
The family would like to thank Aspen team at Grand Traverse Pavilions and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful and loving care they provided to Joyce.
Per her request, cremation services have been accorded with no public services scheduled.
Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.
