Obituary of Joy Thomas

Joy Thomas, 70, of Buchanan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 17, 2016 with her family by her side. Joy was born on November 6, 1945 to the late Gerald and Letha (Gruesbeck) Hare in Battle Creek, Michigan. After graduating from Hastings High School Joy wed James Thomas at a ceremony in Dowling, Michigan. Joy attended Michigan State University but put her education on hold to travel the country with her husband as an Army Captain's wife, a duty she loved and took seriously. After their four children were grown Joy went back to continue her education and graduated from Indiana University South Bend. In late 2005 Joy retired from Meijer where she had been a store manager for many years. When Joy wasn't working or caring for her children she could be found outside in her garden tending to the flowers and birds, crocheting or just relaxing. People always joked that Joy loved to collect people, not things. Once you met Joy you were instantly a friend and became a part of her family. Joy was preceded in death by her parents and husband, of 50 years, James. She is survived by her three daughters, Kelly (Vince) Spradling of Littleton, Colorado, Lauri Ventsias of Buchanan, Kati (Leland) Payne of Buchanan; a son, Lee Thomas of Buchanan; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother Jay Hare of Hastings, Michigan and sister-in-law, Judy Thomas of Tennessee. A time of visitation will be held on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. A private graveside service will be held in Hastings.