She was born on December 12, 1931 in Howell, Michigan, the daughter of Frank and Verna Merrell. Joyce attended Howell High School where she met James Deutsch in the school band. She married Jim on December 21, 1952 on a cold, snowy afternoon in a warm church sanctuary filled with the spirit of Christmas. Joyce and Jim raised three sons, Jeffrey, Kenneth, and Kyle.
Throughout her life, Joyce approached all tasks with care, determination and humor. Joyce’s profession was caregiver…one of the best…ever. She practiced everywhere, mostly at home.
Family was of great importance to Joyce. As an active mother, she loved organizing baseball games, outdoor activities and sleepovers for her boys and the neighborhood children, many of which she herself would join in. She was especially fond of basketball, baseball, sledding, tobogganing and many other sports. Having three boys was wonderful, but Joyce also enjoyed doting on her nieces when they were young ladies. Going to “High Tea” with Aunt Joyce was special. She never forgot their birthdays and would find special little gifts they would enjoy. She loved to travel and keep connected with family in various states throughout the U.S.
Being an active member of her neighborhood in East Lansing, Michigan, she welcomed and befriended many neighbors from international countries. Her new neighbors taught her their traditions and food specialties that she in turn would prepare and share dinners with them. Holidays were always special events for Joyce as she made special foods and organized big holiday parties for friends and family.
Joyce was actively involved at churches in several cities as her family moved with Jim’s business. As a 47-year member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver she was highly involved in a variety of ministries to benefit people of all ages.
She was the Queen Mum in her Red Hats organization for several years making many friends. Knitting little hats for child cancer patients with the group Knit Wits was important to her. She also enjoyed her volunteer work at Porter Hospital in Denver for over 15 years.
Later in life, Joyce and Jim took pride in their farms in Iowa. Joyce put a great deal of energy and creativity in the remodeling and decorating of their century old farmhouse. Sitting on the back porch of her farmhouse with a cup of tea, chatting with friends, and enjoying the views of her corn and soybean fields created special memories.
The youngest of six children, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Ila, Alys, Phyllis, Arliene and brother J. Alton. She is survived by husband James, sons Jeffrey (Kim) and Kyle of Houston, TX; Kenneth (Michika) of Anaheim, CA; grandchildren Chelsea Guthrie (Ryan), Carter (Taylor) and Gabrien; great-grandchildren Genevieve and Geoffrey; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Joyce may be given to Bethany Lutheran Church. Gifts will be used for ministries that create experiences for children to know the love of Jesus in their lives. You can give online at Bethany-Denver.org. Click the GIVE button, choose MEMORIALS Fund. On the memo line include Joyce Deutsch. Memorial gifts can also be mailed to: Bethany Lutheran Church 4500 E. Hampden Ave. Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113. Indicate Joyce Deutsch Memorial with your gift.
A memorial service will be held on a future date.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18