Joy Dawn Lake's Obituary
Rodney Joy Dawn Lake, 71, of Rodney, went to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids, surrounded by her family. Joy was born December 22, 1936, near Morley, the daughter of Chester Lyle and Cleo (Coe) Higley, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1955. She went on to attend Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids and received her degree in nursing. Her early nursing career started in Big Rapids, and she then worked at Kelsey Memorial Hospital in Lakeview. Joy eventually returned to Mecosta County General Hospital, and served as the O.R. supervisor/ head nurse for 32 years until retiring in December of 1994. Joy was united in marriage to Loren Elden Lake on November 11, 1961. He preceded her in death in December 1968. Joy remained strong to be a devoted loving mother of her 4 beautiful young girls. Joy was a dedicated, hard working, loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt, always willing to help those in need. She was an avid reader, loved gardening, crafts, baking and her grandchildren. She was very creative and loved to laugh. Joy is survived by her mother Cleo Higley of Big Rapids; her 4 children, Lori (Leonard) Gray of Rodney, Lucinda (Michael) Maxwell of Clare, Kelly Lake of Rodney and Karla Lake of Barryton; her 5 beautiful grandchildren Samantha Joy, Lauren and Justin Gray, Megan and Michelle Lickman; her sisters, Charlene (Lawrence) Morningstar of Big Rapids, and Virginia (Frank) Wilhelm of Portage; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and previous co-workers. She was also preceded in death by her father Lyle, grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Joe Pendleton officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Plains Cemetery. Joys family will greet friends today (Friday) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home, and after 2 p.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made for Karlas long-term care trust fund, or her grandchildrens education fund, and may be left in care of the funeral home.
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