Joyce Endres

A woman of great faith and strong convictions, Joyce Endres gave from her heart and served others unconditionally. She had the gift of giving and did everything with great dedication. Truly a servant of the heart, she will be truly missed.

Noted as the most trying time of the Great Depression, the shadow of hardship and struggle continued in 1933. As the nation saw an unprecedented jobless rate of over 15 million, Radio City Music Hall opened and entertainment was a welcome deviation from hard economic times. For Henry and Doris (Roth) London of Ionia County, Michigan, the year was indeed filled with blessings when on March 2, 1933 they welcomed the birth of their first child, a baby girl they lovingly named Joyce.

Joyce grew up in the village of Dimondale, Michigan where her father worked as a farmer and owned the local grocery store while her mother worked for the Secretary of State. Joyce was the eldest of eventually five children and most often the responsibility of caring for their home and her younger siblings was left upon her shoulders. Even so, Joyce set her mind to her studies and did remarkably well. She enjoyed school and the many friends she made there.

From the very beginning Joyce was involved. Not only did she look after household matters, but she was quite social and took part in many activities. Her participation in the 4-H Club was a contributing factor in Joyce’s loyalty and giving heart toward others. She was also involved in the Young Girl’s Club of their local Masonic Lodge where her father also served as a giving and participating Mason. It was easy to like Joyce and when she became a part of a group or organization she immersed herself into it wholeheartedly. Quite soon after joining she often became president of or the spokesperson for the many clubs she belonged to. She often recalled her years growing up in Dimondale and the many wonderful, lifelong experiences she enjoyed there.

Having attended the local schools, Joyce went on to graduate from Dimondale High School with the Class of 1951. Equally exciting, she was honored as the Valedictorian of her class. After graduating she ventured to the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan in search of work and lived with her aunt. Well liked and personable, she made fast friends. One evening out with friends at the Midtown Theater in downtown Grand Rapids changed her life forever. While at the movies one cold February evening in 1952 Joyce met a dashing young man who was a Veteran of World War II.

Joseph Endres captured Joyce’s heart and their warm feelings for one another grew quickly. Joyce converted to Catholicism and was baptized into the Catholic faith. In June of 1952 they were united in marriage at Joseph’s home church, St. Alphonsus. They spent their honeymoon visiting a few sites within the state before returning home to Grand Rapids where they lived with Joseph’s parents for a time. Joyce grew in her newfound faith and became very devout.

Before long Joyce and Joseph moved to a home across from Joseph’s parents on Grove Place NE where they lovingly raised their family. Many of Joseph’s extended family also lived in the neighborhood and many memorable family get-togethers took place over the years. Joyce was an attentive and devoted mother to their three children, Michael, Carl and Cathleen. They attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School where Joyce was active in the P.T.A., volunteered with the school lunch program and numerous other school activities. When it came to traveling, Joyce and Joseph made a few trips within the state and mainly to participate in American Legion or V.F.W. activities. As a family they enjoyed several trips together but usually stayed close to home. Wonderful memories were made in their family home on Grove Place where Joyce remained for the rest of her days.

As a World War II Veteran, Joseph held membership at the Creston Post of the V.F.W. Together they were very active in many of the social activities and events at the club. Joyce was also a member and past president of the Creston Post Ladies Auxiliary and worked the many bingo games they sponsored. She also volunteered at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, often helping in the clothing room and bingo games there. Joyce always kept herself busy and liked staying involved. She often worked at the concession stand when bingo was held at the Creston Theater.

For the most part the lives of the Endres family centered around their church, St. Alphonsus. They attended mass faithfully and the children made their holy sacraments and went to school there. Joyce was a member of and served as past president of the Holy Family Club and worked on various committees at church. She played a big role in the annual church festival and also gave of her time and cooking talents for many funeral lunches held there. Joyce gave from her heart willingly and unconditionally. It wasn’t unlike her to be on the phone daily with friends asking who they could help next or who needed prayer that particular day.

Joyce was a very determined woman. From her earliest years, when she set her mind to something she always saw it through. She was in her 40s when she learned to drive and no longer had to rely on Joseph to get her around. Never afraid to get her hands dirty, when Joyce was committed to something she gave it her all and enjoyed trying new things. When their youngest child Cathleen was born with a disability, Joyce and Joseph were determined to care for their daughter the best they could. It has been a lifelong commitment for Joyce, but one she continued with the utmost devotion until the very end.

When her husband became ill Joyce not only continued to care for Cathleen but for Joseph as well. Although it was difficult when he passed away in 2001, she remained ever so determined and gained strength from her unending faith. Several years ago an auto accident left Cathleen permanently disabled while Joyce suffered injuries that plagued her for the rest of her life. Due to complications from the accident, she spent much time over the last few years in and out of the hospital. In time her body could no longer withstand her ill health and at the age of 77, Joyce went to be with her Lord on Saturday, September 4, 2010.

Above all, Joyce Endres will be remembered as a giving person who would do anything for anyone. She was someone to be counted on and served others with a joyful heart. Her strong faith and inspired convictions allowed her to be a dedicated and faithful servant. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Surviving are her children: Michael and Gayle Endres, Carl Endres, Cathleen Endres; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law: Janice and Gordon Gould, Joan and Vincent Pierrsonti, Jackie and Norman Aweao, Judy and Jeff Raiche; nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial and committal services will be held Friday, September 10, 2010, 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Visit with her relatives and friends Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE and Friday at St. Alphonsus Church from 10 AM until the mass. The Rosary will be prayed Thursday evening, 8:30 PM at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Creston Post of the VFW are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or to sign her online guest register.