Joyce M. Schmitt was born September 1st, 1957, and passed away on April 28th, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Julia Petrtyl.

Joyce Schmitt, age 67, was the loving mother of Kyle and Kevin, beloved sister of Robert Petrtyl, Richard (Verla) Petrtyl, and Kenneth (Mary) Petrtyl. Dear stepdaughter of the late Eileen Petrtyl. Stepsister of Thomas Toutant and Cheryl Toutant. Caring aunt of 4 and great aunt of 2.

Joyce was very dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her and all those whose hearts she touched. It seemed like everyone that met her, bonded strongly with her. She was very sociable, had a good sense of humor and was very pleasant to be around.

Joyce was a diligent care giver and very giving of herself. She cared tirelessly for her handicapped son and family, cared for her elderly father who suffered from Alzheimer's, and she cared for a friend's mother who also had dementia.

Family was very important to Joyce, especially her children, they were everything to her, and she loved them dearly and would do just about anything for them. She gave them love, encouragement and compassion.

Joyce had strong faith in God, believed that the Bible contained the word of God, and she searched for the Truth found within, by regularly reading and studying the Bible. She looked forward to the fulfillment of God's promises of an earthly paradise along with the resurrection of the dead.

She often shared what she had learned with others. A favorite scripture that gave her strength and comfort was, Isaiah 41:10 "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you. I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness." NWT

Joyce liked being busy all of the time, and she was always willing to help others. She volunteered on a regular basis to acquire food from food banks to distribute to those less fortunate, including the homeless.

During her life she enjoyed music, playing the flute, and was a member of a community band playing in concerts for the public. Joyce attended Central Michigan University and received a Bachelor of Arts in physical education.

She was active outdoors, enjoyed swimming, riding her ATV at the track and raced dirt bikes, along with gardening and landscaping. She was a member of her high school Dive/Swim team, and had worked as a lifeguard during the summer at her brother's townhouse complex. She also enjoyed bowling, going to movies, shopping, spending time with family and friends.

Joyce enjoyed cooking, and often tried new recipes which she shared with friends and neighbors.  Preparing meals for large family and holiday gatherings with relatives was another activity that brought her much joy. Joyce lived a wonderful life, and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation Friday, May 23rd, 2 pm – 7 pm. In state Saturday, May 24th, 11am until the 12 pm Funeral Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Foundation for Vision Research.

As Death overtakes, the evening's dark night

Not even to wait, till the sun's morning light

Leaving behind, both family and friends

A new day begins, as another life ends

She waits in her sleep, until the day

When God says it's time, to wipe death away

Then all of the pain, of death is undone

Reuniting mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons

While all of our eyes, may be welled up with weeping

Remember, Christ said, "She's not dead, she's just sleeping"

And soon our dear loved ones, will be awakened

Not to this world, from which they were taken

But to a world of love, joy, peace and no sighing

It will only be tears of joy, we'll be crying!

Then an earthly paradise, will be awaiting

For those trusting God, His promises, anticipating