Joyce Arlene Hanson-Shults

Joyce was born on June 11, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Phillip Ward Pierce and Clara Bell Pierce (Piper). She attended Muskegon Public Schools and spent her early years in the community she loved.

On August 6, 1960, Joyce married Roger Hanson, Sr. Together, they raised six beautiful children and made their home in Gratiot County, Michigan. Later in life, Joyce returned to Muskegon, where she married James Shults in 1996. Together, they shared many happy years filled with love, family, and treasured memories. Joyce's greatest joy in life was her family. Whether she was hosting holiday gatherings, camping, fishing, or simply enjoying time together, she cherished every moment with those she loved. She was affectionately known as "Mom" and "Nana" by not only her family but by many whose lives she touched.

Joyce had a passion for the outdoors. She loved fishing, camping, and taking drives looking for deer or rocks. She loved spending time at her property on the PM River in Ruby Creek. Many fun times were made around the campfire while playing catchphrase and making S’mores. Around the campfire, she delighted in and loved creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren.

She also enjoyed visiting the casino, where family and friends joked she was a lucky charm because she always seemed to win.

Christmas was Joyce's favorite holiday. She had an incredible collection of nearly 1,000 + snowmen that filled her home with holiday spirit each year. Although putting up and taking down the collection was quite a task for her husband and sons, it became a cherished family tradition that will continue in her memory.

Joyce was an amazing cook whose recipes became family favorites. She will always be remembered for her famous potato salad, Macaroni salad, and her famous handmade peanut butter balls, fudge, and chili. Her kitchen was a place where everyone felt welcome, and no one ever left hungry.

Those who knew Joyce knew she had a heart of gold. She was always willing to listen, offer advice, lend a helping hand, or simply be there when someone needed her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend whose love knew no bounds.

Joyce leaves behind her beloved husband, James Shults; her children, Roger "Buzz" (Betsy) Hanson, Jeff "Burner" (Terri) Hanson, Rob (Margaret) Hanson, Ron "Mooch" Hanson, Sheila (Steve) Roomsburg, and Mike (Kim) Hanson; more than 20 grandchildren, more than 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Dale Schultz, Gary (Gloria) Pierce, and Morey(Shari) Wagenmaker, Sr.; her sister, Emilie Hill; her sister-in-law, Ruthetta Dornbos; her special friends, Mary Baker and Ranae Erickson; The Trefil family, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip Ward Pierce and Clara Bell Pierce (Piper); her brother, Aaron Schultz; her sister, Alice Houlmont; and her dear friend, Gail Pike.

In accordance with Joyce's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at VFW Post 7729, located at 6285 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan 49442. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember the remarkable woman who meant so much to so many.

Though our hearts are broken, Joyce's love, laughter, traditions, and beautiful memories will live on through every family gathering, every camping trip, every holiday filled with snowmen, and every shared meal. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.