Joan Elaine Derby

     Joan Elaine Derby, age 80, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Schnepp Health Care Center, St. Louis, MI.

     A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, with Pastor Doug Strait officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery at a later date.

     Joan was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 25, 1943, the daughter of Donald Charles and Rose Marie (Bacigal) Keck. She graduated from Ashley High School with the Class of 1961.

     Joan loved all children and had a daycare in her home for many years. She enjoyed baking and cooking for everyone. Joan was an avid reader and always liked to play games with her family. She was very involved in ministries of the Edgewood Church of God for many years. She was always ready to help with church dinners. 

     She is survived by her daughter Melissa (Ronald) Dettloff of Ithaca, MI; son Michael (Jenni) Derby of Ithaca, MI; three grandchildren: Aaron (Jaimie) Dettloff, Jordan Miller, and Alli Derby; great-grandchildren: Landon, Makayla, McKenzie, Anastasia, Audrey, and Lillian; two sisters: Janet (Robert) Garcia, and Joyce (Jim) Skaryd; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, great-grandson Oliver Dettloff, infant brother Terry, and one brother Richard Keck.

     Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities,  26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.