Joyce Blatson

Joyce A. Blatson, age 82, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away early Thursday morning, May 21, 2015. She was born on May 15, 1933 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Lyle and Virginia (Sunderland) Jacobs. Joyce was employed by State of Michigan Department of Human Services for over 30 years until her retirement in 1988. On April 24, 1982, she was married to Stanley Blatson. Joyce hosted many exchange students in the Battle Creek area of the years. She also volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, where she made a lifelong relationship with her "little sister", Pamela Anderson. Joyce was a member of Southridge Reformed Church. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, golfing, and snowmobiling. She also enjoyed fishing, especially salmon fishing in Lake Michigan. Surviving are her husband, Stanley Blatson; three daughters, Linda (Greg) Gay, Lori Pavlik, and Annette Soto; five grandchildren, Carmen (Joshua) Grant, Kim Iozia, Rebecca (Dean) Cluter, Kyle Sweet, Ashley (Sean) Sweet-Bowers; four great-grandchildren, Aidan Grant, Andrew and McKenzie Iozia, and Adelia Fisher; three step-daughters, Kim Blatson, Kelly Blatson, and Tracy (Tim) Patrick; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Gene and David; and sister, Helen. A service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27, at Southridge Reformed Church, 6726 Texas Drive, with Rev. Mark A. Vanderson officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 PM on Tuesday evening, May 26 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. Memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.