Joy Blakely

Joy Ann Blakely, age 91, of Lake Odessa, Michigan passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Theodore and Marion Hampel on December 18, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joy married the love of her life, Clare Hazen Blakely on October 8th, 1949, until his death in 1971. Joy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else, never missing a game, band concert, field trip or scout meeting. She had a passion for sewing, crafting, cooking, and canning, and was famous for her delicious pies and cookies. Joy had a tradition of making popcorn balls at Halloween for the past 68 years, leaving lasting memories on generations of Trick-or-Treaters. Her decorating for every holiday was so impressive it would make the Lake Odessa Wave.

Joy will be lovingly missed by her children, Randall Blakely, Kelly Blakely, Jayne Blakely, and Carol (Mark) Gates; brother Keith Hampel; grandchildren Carrie Spalding, Rachel Jenkins, April Spalding and Zachary Blakely, Kurt (Erin) Blakely, Kris (Tammy) Blakely, Ted (Ashly) Blakely, Katie (Jason) Shong, Adam Thelen, Jessica Jankowski, Joshua Blakely, Jacob Blakely, Hogan Scheidt, and Carly Scheidt; 38 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren, and longtime caregiver, neighbor and friend Paula Jewell and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by; her parents, Husband Clare, son Bruce, daughters Gay and Shirley (daughter-in-law); great-granddaughters Emma and Olivia; her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Evelyn Hampel, sister-in-law Priscilla Hampel; her sisters and brothers-in-law June and Dick Morlok, and Linda and Chuck Begerow.

Visitation will be held at Koops Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral services will be held at the Lakewood Church on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11am. Joy will be laid to rest next to Clare in Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa, MI.

Donations in Joy's name can be given to Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Blakely family may be shared at www.koopsfc.com.