Obituary of Joyce Lay

Joyce Ann Lay was born in Monroe, Michigan on December 22, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Donald Gurney and the late DeLoris "Dutch" (Miller) Gurney. Joyce was a 1954 graduate of Monroe High School. She married the love of her life, William Lay, on February 25, 1956 at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. From this union came the birth of three children. She retired from the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary after more than fifteen years of service as a Nursing Assistant. Joyce was very active with her church and school. She participated with several different ministries including a past Scout Leader, Ladies Aide, and Altar Society. She enjoyed baking cookies, and worked at the fair booth for her church. She had a true passion for her family, she loved picnics and she seized every opportunity to get them together. Joyce enjoyed sewing, playing euchre, bunko, bingo, and traveling. Joyce Ann Lay of Carleton passed from earthly home into her heavenly home on her seventy-seventh birthday, Saturday, December 22, 2012. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by one sister: Pauline Gurney; one brother: J.D. Gurney; and one son-in-law: Francis Ploeger. To cherish her memory she leaves a beloved husband: William Lay of Carleton; two daughters: Janet Ploeger and Kathleen Ziembowicz both of Carleton; one son: William Lay Jr. of Taylor; two sisters: Mary (Bill) Garlick of Dundee and Frances (Larry) Manwaring of Ida; five grandchildren: Julie Ploeger, Joe Ziembowicz, Will Lay III, Rachael Lay, and Trevor Zubke; and two great grandchildren: James Hagerman IV and Caden Hagerman. Friends may gather from 12:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until a funeral service celebrating her Christian faith at 11:00am, Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Holy Ghost, 3589 Heiss Road. Reverend Larry Loree Jr. pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend a memorial luncheon immediately following at Holy Ghost Lutheran School. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Holy Ghost Lutheran School. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.