Joyce E. Kunz, age 68, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at her home on Friday evening, Oct 1, 2021. She was born in Battle Creek on Feb 18, 1953, the daughter of Everett L and Shirley A (Pickett) Ehle and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1972. Joyce worked for Battle Creek Public and Lakeview School Districts for more than 38 years and continued to serve as a volunteer “Classroom Grandma” at Minges Brook Elementary School.
Joyce married Richard E. Kunz in Battle Creek on Apr 6, 1985; he survives. She is also survived by her children, Kelly (Dori) Mann, Kevin Mann, Janell (Laura Engle) Hibbard, Christina (William) Caswell, Jason Mann, and Christopher Mann; her grandchildren, Elyse, Owen, Megan, Kimberly, Cody, Dawsen, Kevin, Steven, Dathan, Amber, and Liam; two great grandchildren, Peyton and J.W.; a brother, Michael (Penelope) Brooks; a sister, Lori (Tim) Stebleton; a brother in law, Robert “Bob” Loyd; and several nieces & nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Everett L Ehle and Shirley (Ehle) Brooks; two sisters, Patricia Stoudt and Sharon Loyd; and a brother, Everett Ehle.
Joyce was an active member of Central Christian Church and helped with cleaning the church for more than 10 years. Joyce loved to knit and crochet and made many baby blankets over the years afor her friends and family. She also enjoyed decorating cakes, bowling and most of all, spending time with her family.
The family will receive friends 5 to 7 pm, Tue, Oct 5, at Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Funeral services to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held 11 am, Wed, Oct 6, at Central Christian Church. Entombment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials directed to the Central Christian Church would be appreciated.