Joyce Lator

Joyce Amy Lator, age 93, of Ashley, MI, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, in DeWitt, MI.

Joyce was born in September 1928 to Lester and Leda (Nelson) Reynolds of Six Lakes, Michigan.  Joyce Amy Reynolds met Otto Lator at a dance in Edmore.  They were married six weeks later on August 5, 1949.  They enjoyed 69 years of marriage prior to his passing in April of 2019.  Joyce and Otto loved dancing and playing cards with their many friends.   They operated the family farm in Ashley together.

Joyce cherished her time at the family cabin at Houghton Lake fishing, boating and playing cards.  She also remembered fondly growing up on a farm and high school basketball back when girls were limited to either the offensive or defensive end of the court.  She smiled when talking about how she played defense and could only score when shooting free throws.

Joyce is survived by her son Lamonte (Donna) Lator of DeWitt, MI; and son Ned (Cherie) Lator of Houston, TX. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren:  Philip Lator, Matthew (Brooke Mishica) Lator, Denise (Chris) McDoniel, Alexander (Brittney) Lator, and Connor Lator, Brittany (Ryan) Stevens, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband Otto, 2 daughters: Colleen and Cindy; one sister Phyllis and one brother Seymour.

A private service is being planned by the family and burial will take place at North Star Cemetery.

The family requests that no flowers be sent, but that donations are made to the charity of your choice.  Online condolences for the family may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com .  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.