Martha Joyce Rummel

Frankenmuth, MI

Joyce Rummel, 89, has comfortably passed away. Son Carl, grandchildren Maya, Olivia, and Zane, with beloved pet Dixie, visited her Christmas Day. She went into a pronounced sleep that night. She quietly marked 67 years of marriage with husband Carl at her side on December 28; she departed December 31, 2021. Son Rick and wife Jenny, grandchildren Joyce Arill and Ricky, and great-granddaughter Melanie Vargas reside out-of-state. Infant daughter Martha passed tragically in 1965. Dear friends Cheryl Schultz and Vicky Rowe are remembered.

Joyce was born Martha Joyce Latham June 1, 1932, in Columbus Georgia, third child to Farrell and Clara (Martin) Latham. Brother Richard and sister Joan predecease her, as does her "other mother" Willie Mae. Joyce met Carl while he served in the ROTC at Fort Benning, a "Yankee" to her family. Six months later they married, and made their home in Michigan, which was Antarctica to her. She worked for Dr. Shetlar, helping countless patients get health access through sometimes creative medical billing. She devoted many extra hours researching codes insurance would cover. She liked finding homes for dogs and a few became companions which Carl quietly grumped about.

When Carl retired, she declared "I am not spending one more winter in Michigan." She found a house back in Columbus, and made Dad buy her a Cadillac as reparation for years of penny-pinching. They leisured in their homes in Georgia and Michigan until health limited their travel. While her final resting place may be Michigan, her heart will always be in Georgia.

Our family's gratitude goes to the incredible elder and medical care workers who guided this Southern Belle's final journey. If you ever feel discouraged by humankind, watch what they do. We give deep thanks to the friends and family who have shown their concern and support; we miss those we lost along the way. We are greatly strengthened by the spiritual community and our Christian pastors.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, January 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church with burial to follow in St. Lorenz Lutheran Cemetery. Joyce's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Sunday January 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and at church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Per the families request, masks will be required for all who attend the visitation and service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to any animal welfare or children's organization of the donor's choice.