Joyce Kamphorst

Joyce Ellen (Mantela) Kamphorst, 81 of Sparta, MI, peacefully passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with her family by her side on January 2, 2024. Joyce was born on October 22, 1942 to Einar and Frances (Slosser) Mantela in Pontiac, MI.

Joyce is a 1961 graduate of Milford High School. She liked school and being with friends. She was awarded for perfect attendance 9-12 grades. She married in 1963, gaining five step- children and having three biological children between 1964 & 1967.

Joyce made her work as a homemaker, a bookkeeper in the family business, then as a school bus driver after her children were grown.

In 1980 Joyce married Hendrik Kamphorst, at which Joyce gained two more step-children. They shared 43 years together before her passing.

Joyce retired in 2010 at which time she put her focus into caring for all she loved; grandchildren, helping at a family business, hosting holidays, visiting friends, attending annual high school luncheons, as well as sewing & creating many beautiful, heirloom pieces of art. She loved to create clothing, matching doll clothing, flags, windsocks, curtains, bridesmaid dresses, t-shirt quilts, and all types of mending, with her personal favorites being the creation of many beautiful baby blankets. Joyce was very creative and a meticulous seamstress. Joyce gave back to her community by working at the polling stations, providing food to local festivals, and donating several baby blankets over the years; serving others came naturally for her.

Throughout her life Joyce had many loved ones and extended family and friends who adored her. She adopted the name Miracle Mama in which she certainly was to many. Joyce’s family reunions were important and highlighted her year. She missed only one family reunion in a 68-year span. Every birthday and at Christmas Joyce received dozens of cards that expressed many wishes for all the beauty life could offer her. She truly was a shining star for many.

Joyce is proceeded in death by her parents, her youngest brother, daughter-n-law, and 2 grandsons. Joyce leaves behind her husband Hendrik, her beloved pup Tucker, children Alan (Valerie) Beatty of Grand Rapids, Lisa (John) Fershee of Petoskey, Nancy (Steve) Couturier of Rockford; her step-children, Ed Beatty (Jackie), Don Beatty, Judy (Greg) Taube, Milton (Pam) Beatty, and Cindy Taube; Rodney Kamphorst (Angela), Tammy (Robert) Deater, 18 grand children and 18 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry (Virginia) Mantela, Ralph (Dolly) Mantela as well as many other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

We ask that you send your favorite memory and / or photo of Joyce to dadbeatty0615@gmail.com which will be proudly displayed at her celebration of life May 11, 2024 (12:00-4:00pm) at 5104-13 Mile Road, NE Rockford, MI 49341. Memorial contributions may be made to your local lymphoma leukemia society or your local humane society.