Obituary for
Joyce Ann Allen
Joyce Ann Allen, age 68 of Coldwater and formerly of Battle Creek, died Tuesday March 21, 2017 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Joyce was born September 17, 1948, in Battle Creek to Ethan and Ada (Craft) Allen and was a graduate of Springfield High School. She joined the U.S. Army Reserves, 415th Civil Affairs Battalion while earning an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Kellogg Community College. Joyce had a passion for helping others, being with family and friends and travelling the country. She had been employed, by Leila Hospital, Mid-Michigan Surgical Supply, and retired in 2004 from Pennock Hospital, Hastings. Joyce was member of First Wesleyan Church prior to moving to Coldwater, where she attended the First Baptist Church of Coldwater. Joyce had been active in the American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” for several years and was a foster parent. She also enjoyed playing tennis and bowling, but her favorite activity was spending time with her beloved grandsons and being a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Rose (Nicholas) Thornton of Coldwater, grandsons, Brock and Drake Thornton, and a brother Jack Allen of Battle Creek, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Irene Heinz, Maxine Allen, Thelma Bailey, Juanita Evans, and Ruth Armour, brothers, Ira Allen and Paul Allen.