Obituary of Velma Hoyt

Velma Lafern Call was born in Monroe on June 23, 1921. She was the daughter born from the union of the late Clem Call and the late Nellie (Smith) Call. She married Lyman "Jim" Hoyt on June 23, 1973. Velma always led by example and she was an extremely hard worker. For more than thirty years she was a fixture at Joe's French Italian Inn working as a waitress. Velma received her spiritual nourishment attending Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center. She loved to attend church functions and was very involved in the Monroe Community. Velma was on the senior bowlers' league and involved with senior healthy living. She loved the outdoors and appreciated nature. She especially enjoyed flowers and walking along the river with her husband. She enjoyed casting a few lines and her favorite fishing spot was at Bolles Harbor. Velma was very determined. At times she could even be described as being cantankerous. Velma was one to be reckoned with, when she set her mind to something, she strived until she reached her goal. Velma Lafern Hoyt, age 92 of Monroe, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband Jim, sister: Alice; brother: Wilber; and a step daughter: Prudy. To cherish her memory, Velma leaves a son: James Knapp of Monroe; a daughter: Scarlett (Ken) Boylan of Monroe; two step daughters: Elaine (Chuck) Mushing and Nancy Kelley; a step son: James (Brenda) Hoyt; three grandchildren: Frank, Karol and James; fourteen step grandchildren: Barbara, Kathie (Steve), Richard, Ann (Bob), Lynn, Krystan , Kimberely (Kevin), Ronald, James, Carrie, Scott, Bonnie, Jamie, and Jill; two great grandchildren: Franklin and Katie; seven step great grandchildren: Keeley, Keara, Louis, Emily, Theresa, Margaret, and Ronnie; two great-great grandchildren: Aiden and Zachary; and four step great-great grandchildren: Amanda, Ashley, Christopher, and Claudia. Friends may gather from 2:00-6:00pm on Monday, April 14, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 6:00pm also at Merkle's with Pastor Joseph Byrd from Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center officiating. A graveside burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:00am. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.