Joyce Elaine Bonnell

Joyce Elaine Bonnell (Keblbeck), born in 1934 in Midland, Michigan, was peacefully called home to be with her Lord on the morning of Wednesday, March 18th. Joyce was raised in Hemlock, Michigan and was the beloved daughter of Herbert E. Keblbeck and Gladys M. Keblbeck. She graduated from Hemlock High School in 1953. It was there that Joyce met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Norman Dywane Bonnell. Joyce was united in marriage to Norm on September 4, 1954. Together they shared many years of love and partnership until Norman’s passing in 1993. Joyce carried his memory with her throughout her life.

Joyce lived a life grounded in faith, family, and friendship, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving children, Brendy (Bob) Reed and Jim (Kelly) Bonnell. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jamie (Brandon) List, Jody (Kyle) Bandlow, and Beau (Holly) Reed, and a cherished great “Grandma 2” to Reed and Ryan Bandlow, Kylie and Hayley Reed, and Callie and Braxton List, all of whom brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Dave Schafer and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Jack Rider, Phyllis Black, Kay Keblbeck, Doug (Sharon) Keblbeck, and Bud (Charlene) Keblbeck, close sister and brother in laws, Joyce and Walter Winchell, Helen and Jim Gustera, along with many extended family members. Joyce took comfort in the thought of being reunited in the afterlife with treasured friends who went before her, where she will once again share laughter over card games and stroll along sun warmed beaches.

Joyce had a zest for life and treasured time spent bowling and playing cards with the “card club girls,” sunbathing and enjoying beach vacations, and attending sporting events for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on. She worked for many years as a head cashier in the grocery industry and was an active and faithful member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Joyce’s smile, sense of humor, and love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff at Union Court Assisted Living in St. Charles, Michigan, and to hospice nurses Monica and Janet for their exceptional kindness and care during the final year of Joyce’s life.

Funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2565 N. Miller Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609. Pastor Kirk Abatelli will officiate. Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Mausoleum & Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Saginaw or Union Court Assisted Living, in St. Charles, MI.