Joyce Jeanine (Merritt) Bowers

Passed Away on December 22, 2014

Joyce Jeanine (Merritt) Bowers, 84, of Mesa AZ, entered into Heaven on December 22, 2014. Born March 17, 1930 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Joyce spent much of her life in Sodus, Coldwater and Gaylord, Michigan. Joyce, daughter of Forrest and Sylvia (Pokorny) Merritt, is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Lawrence; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Joanne Merritt; son and daughter-in-law, William and Cindy Bowers; daughter and son-in-law, Pattie and Chuck Baker; and daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Tom Meisterheim. She is also survived by nine grandchildren. Her life was filled with music, family, church, crafts and work. A talented pianist even in her youth, she entertained audiences both as a soloist and accompanist. She shared her love of music by teaching piano for many years and as a member of the Sweet Adelines singing organization. Joyce was an active and supportive mother attending all sports, concerts and special events for her four children. She unknowingly touched so many other lives with her empathy and compassion. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church for over 70 years and volunteered in many capacities in both the church and in the community. One of her greatest joys was working on various crafting projects with her friends. Joyce retired from Old Kent Bank in 1992 and enjoyed traveling and tending her flower garden while at home in Gaylord, Michigan. Joyce was preceded in death by her infant brother and her son, Frederick Bowers. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held on January 9 at 4:00 pm at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery in Mesa, AZ. A memorial service will be also be held in Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).