Joyce Elaine Elliott

09/19/1932

01/05/2019

Memorial Contributions to:

Trinity Lutheran Church

2700 Fulton St E

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Joyce Elaine Elliott, age 86, of Grand Rapids, peacefully passed away in Naples, FL on Saturday, January 5, 2019, with her family at her side one week after suffering complications from a fall. Joyce was born on September 19, 1932, in Rochester, MI to Roy E. and Iva (Briggs) Rathka. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond P. Elliott; her parents; and her brother, Robert Rathka. She is survived by her children, Paula (Lawrence) Shuer, Dale (Laura) Elliott, Steven Elliott, Victoria (John) VanZalen and Lisa (Tim Weiber) Cargill; sisters, Barbara King and Catherine Patterson; brothers, Roy (Juanita) Rathka, Jr. and Ray (Barbara) Rathka; grandchildren, Jenna (Nick) Bott, Tamarah (Jim) Buckley, Nichole (Adam) Cote, Emily (Sara) Dailey, Maggie (Scott) Barker, Joseph Elliott, Tori Elliott, Jessica (Aaron) VanTimmeren, Dan (Katrina) Elliott, Greg Elliott, Jacob VanZalen, Ryan VanZalen, Raymond Cargill, Brendan Cargill and Autumn Cannon; as well as thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Joyce enjoyed summers in northern Michigan and winters in Naples Florida. She became CEO of her husband’s engineering firm, Materials Testing Consultants, upon his death in 1992 and continued in this capacity until her passing. She was previously president of their related firm, Mateco Drilling Company. Both companies continue to be managed by family members. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with and supporting her children and grandchildren at many events. Her Christian faith was paramount. Visitation will be Friday, January 11 from 2-4 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids and 11:30-12:30 PM Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Her life will be celebrated at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids at 12:30 PM on Saturday, January 12 with a reception from 2-4 PM at Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

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