Joyce Rennells

Joyce Rennells was one of those special people who appreciated the many things that made life so valuable – family, faith and friends. She was a woman with a strong sense of family and a deep faith in God, who persevered through trials that came her way, always remaining true to the joy that was in her heart. Joyce loved to be surrounded by her family, and loved spending time being a wife, mother and grandmother to the people who brought her life immeasurable joy.

The 1930s are a notoriously frightening time in United States history. After the collapse of the stock market in 1929, the U.S. found itself facing a time of great change and hardships, but also a time that built strength and perseverance. With Herbert Hoover in the White House, Babe Ruth wowing the world on the baseball field, and Mickey Mouse making its first appearances in comic strips, this was a time of many beginnings. In St. Johns, Michigan, Edward and Lucille (Ladd) Parker were preparing their home for the beginning of a new life. On April 8, 1930, they delighted in welcoming their first child, daughter Joyce, into the world. She was later joined by her younger sister, Phyllis, who completed the Parker household.

Joyce and Phyllis shared a close sisterly bond throughout their lives. Being the oldest, Joyce usually took the lead, perhaps landing them both in some mayhem a time or two. Her father was a salesman and owned a used car lot, so she learned to drive by the time she was 13. Once in school, Joyce’s outgoing personality won her many friends, and they liked to go to school dances together. She was always very focused on her studies too and loved to read, making her an excellent student. Joyce graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1948, and shortly thereafter, moved to Lansing, where she went to work as a secretary at Monumental Life.

While still in high school, Joyce started dating Donald Rennells, and they enjoyed going to football games and dances together, and often ended their dates by stopping by Matthew’s Ice Cream Shop for a coke. After a 3-year courtship, Joyce and Don were happily married, and settled down in St. Johns, where Don worked by Federal Mogul. Over the next few years, the couple was blessed with four children, Robert, David, Douglas and Jeanne, who brought them great pride and joy. As a mother, Joyce ran her home with a firm hand, but always took an active role in her children’s lives. Time together as a family was important to Joyce and Don, and they took their kids to the lake just about every summer for fun and relaxation. Church was an important part of Joyce’s life. She was raised in the Baptist faith, and her strong faith was a hallmark of her life. She and Don were devout members of Ithaca Baptist Church and Lake City Baptist Church.

Joyce loved her family dearly, and together she and Don enjoyed about 45 great years of marriage. Although not outwardly affectionate, the two were so in love and devoted to each other. When Don became ill and eventually had to have a kidney transplant in 1986, Joyce tenderly cared for him, while keeping their family strong and together. Aside from being a devoted wife and mother, Joyce worked at the Thompson Home Public Library of Ithaca, and eventually became the Director. She retired from the library in 1992, and sadly lost her beloved Don four years later in 1996.

When it came to her leisure time, Joyce had many hobbies and interests to keep her busy. She wasn’t considered a great cook, but when she whipped up a batch of her cream puffs, pineapple cookies and homemade pizzas, everyone came running. Joyce was an avid reader all her life, a die-hard fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers, MSU and Michigan (well she cheered for any Michigan team), and she loved flowers including her favorites - purple Mums, Stargazer Lilies and Gardenias. Joyce was a fierce competitor when it came to playing Scrabble and Euchre, and in her quieter moments, enjoyed doing puzzles. Above all though, Joyce loved being a doting grandmother to her 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, who she adored.

Joyce was a loving, devoted woman who brightened and enriched the lives of her loved ones every day. She will be dearly missed.

Joyce E. Rennells, 81 years, beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and infant grandson, Donald Griner. Joyce is survived by her sister, Phyllis (Frank) Winters of DeWitt; three sons, Robert (Debra) of rural Bath, David (Nannette) of rural Ashley, Douglas (Cindy) of rural Ithaca; one daughter, Jeanne (Scott) Allen of rural Shepherd; ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thompson Home Library of Ithaca in Joyce’s honor. Please visit Joyce’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/77567, where you may sign her online guest book and share a thought with her family. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.