Joyce H. Slykhouse

Joyce Helen Slykhouse passed away peacefully at Amber Way, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo on April 3, 2020 at the age of 92. Joyce was born in Jackson, MI on September 24, 1927 and shortly after moved to Grand Rapids, MI, where she lived most of her life, until moving to Kalamazoo in 2013.

Joyce graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School, Grand Rapids Junior College and Western Michigan University with a degree in Education. After college, Joyce became a first-grade teacher at Buchanan Elementary School. Joyce met her husband, George, at GR Junior College and in 1951 after George graduated from law school, they were married. Four years later, when Joyce had her first child, she left the teaching profession to stay home and raise her family. Joyce was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she was in the children’s choir, enjoyed being a member of the Tryads Club and taught Sunday school. She was also an active member of the WMU alumni sorority, helping to raise money for scholarships. After her children were grown, Joyce returned to teaching, as a substitute teacher in the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Anyone who knew Joyce, knew that her biggest joy in life was her family, which very much included the family dog, Gigi. George and Joyce enjoyed many happy times together with their family, taking wonderful trips, having extended family gatherings at their cottage, hosting holiday parties, renting Lake Michigan cottages with their grandchildren, and attending the annual family reunion at the Homestead and in Detroit. Joyce adored her grandchildren and she was a big part of their lives. Joyce even attended eight University of Michigan college graduations, her three children’s and all five grandchildren’s.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, George, her son, John, her mother, Susanna Smith and her sisters, Lois Ryan and Yvonne Stahl. Joyce is survived by her daughters, Lynne (Chris) Kochmanski of Saline, MI and Susan (Bill) Kovats of Portage, MI; five grandchildren, Bob (David) Kovats, Nick (Sydney) Kochmanski, Sarah (Dave) Pai, Joe (Katie) Kochmanski, and Becky (Steve) Karpinski; and one great-grandson, Henry.

Joyce will be dearly missed by family and friends, but will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind heart, thoughtfulness and her everlasting love of children and dogs.

Joyce’s family is very grateful to all her caregivers at Amber Way for their compassionate care, patience and friendship.   

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at a future date. A private family graveside service will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorials in memory of Joyce may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association and Trinity United Methodist Church.

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