Joyce Eileen Trapp, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born July 19, 1930, to George and Mildred (Eggers) Ellison in Mason, Michigan. After graduating from Mason High School in 1948, Joyce went to Central State Normal School (now Central Michigan University) for two years before teaching in a one-room school in Leslie, Michigan for two years. Joyce then began working at Dart National Bank in Mason before she married Allan L. Trapp on January 2, 1955. Together Joyce and Allan lived in Hart, MI, Ames, IA, Wooster, OH, and Lansing, MI.
She is survived by their four children; Kathy (Jeff) Heider, Kalispell, MT; John Trapp of Flint; Caryn Trapp (Mitch Briggs), Punta Gorda, FL; and Bill (Cindy) Trapp of Grand Rapids. Six grandchildren; Drew (Billee) Heider, Missoula, MT; Amanda Yetter, Wendell, NC; Kristen (Dylan) Menking, Smithville, TX; Rachel Murray, Portland, OR; Cassie Trapp, Grand Rapids; and Andy Trapp, also of Grand Rapids. Three great-grandchildren; Kylee Heider, Missoula, MT; and Grace and Teddy Kochelek, Smithville, TX. Many special nieces and nephews also survive.
Joyce was a homemaker throughout her life. Over the years she also cared for many young children in the Lansing area who remember her fondly. She loved to read, travel, and do art projects. She maintained her positive outlook on life and loved to sing and whistle. She will be greatly missed by her family and all the people who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan; her parents; and her three brothers; George, Ralph and Donald Ellison.
A memorial service is being planned for this summer. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
2 Responses
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. That is a very nice picture. I remember watching her drive us places and remember her distinct way of driving. I always wanted to drive like Mrs. Trapp. I am feeling the loss of your mom, I think she is the last of the mom’s in our neighborhood. Our childhood has slipped away and now we are the next generation to be the head of the families. I am thinking of your families at this time. I hope your memories will wrap around you like a comfortable, warm blanket. Linda Walters Beverly
Dear Trapp family, so sad to learn of Joyce’s passing. I wrote a note to her in my Christmas letter, and always referred to your Manley house by your family name. I believe Mrs Bushnell and I are the only ones left on this road from the “old” days. I’ll be 92 in September and doing fine. May your fond memories carry you through this sad time. Love to all, Boots Teddy