Joyce Ratza Obituary
Mrs. Joyce I. Ratza, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Joyce was born in Flint, MI, on May 23, 1938, to parents Curtis & Lila (Emmons) Hall. Joyce married Francis “Dick” Ratza on June 16, 1956, and together they shared 63 years of marriage, welcomed their 6 children, and shared countless memories before his passing in May of 2020. Further, her and Dick liked to square dance with the Calico Twirlers group of Frankenmuth. For 10 years Joyce worked with the boy’s home in Otter Lake as a cook. Above all, she loved her family deeply and she will be sorely missed.
Joyce is forever loved by her four children: Linda Ratza, Maxine “Mickey” (Greg) DeBlois, Sheila (Dave) McEldowney, and Jennifer Ratza; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Louis Hall and David (Desdi) Hall; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; daughter, Deb (Ratza) Ramsey (d. 2000); and son, Leon Ratza (d. 2008).
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Hanlin Funeral Home – Millington; visitation from 2 p.m. until the time of service. A dinner will follow.
Kindly share a memory with Joyce’s family in the guestbook below.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charity of one's choice.
Joyce and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. 4823 Main St, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.
Hanlin Funeral Homes
Millington & Vassar
Serving Since 1928
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4823 W Main St, Millington, MI 48746
People and places connected with Joyce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Ratza
Make a Donation
in Joyce Ratza's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Joyce's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joyce Ratza's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more