Joyce Ann Ahrns, age 81, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family and lifelong friend of 67 years. Joyce was born on April 11, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Willard and Geneva (Rednour) Frederick.

Joyce was born the younger, by eleven minutes, with her twin brother Richard W. Frederick, and lived just outside of Indianapolis in Speedway. She was a 1963 graduate of Ben Davis High School and attended Purdue University in Equipment and Family Housing. While attending Purdue, she was a majorette in the All-American Marching Band where she met Dan. Following this she became a certified Flight Attendant and flew for Eastern Airlines. Dan and Joyce were married while she was a Flight Attendant in 1967.

In her spare time, she loved painting, helping at her children's schools, being a Girl Scout area cookie Coordinator (with a garage full of GS cookies), all while working part-time in various jobs including conducting retail sales satisfaction surveys. Joyce loved to travel, especially when her grandkids joined along. She loved spending time in Florida to escape the Michigan winters. Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family and dear friends.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 59 years Daniel C. Ahrns; children Christopher C. Ahrns (Laura), and Jacqueline A. Kloska (James); grandchildren Emma A. Kloska, and Cole J. Kloska; brother Richard W. Frederick (Karen). She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of Good Shephard Hospice of Sebring, Florida and the staff at Hospice of Michigan in Traverse City for their care and compassion for Joyce.

Friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on June 18, 2026, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. The memorial service honoring Joyce will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The family invites guests to join them for a luncheon at the Funeral Home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Hospice of Michigan https://www.hom.org/donate/ or Good Shepard Hospice of Sebring, Florida, https://www.chaptershealth.org/chapters-health-foundation/good-shepherd-hospice-donation/

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Joyce's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com