Mrs. Willa Joy Radcliffe

Willa Joy Radcliffe, 85, of Traverse City passed away Monday, April 23, 2012 at Cherry Hill Haven, Traverse City.

A life resident of the Traverse City area, Joy was born on Thursday July 22, 1926 to the late John and Lucy (Daniels) Donkers of Grawn. She married her life partner and best friend, Gerald (Jerry) Calvin Radcliffe, Monday September 9, 1946 in Traverse City.

Joy enjoyed visits with children, grandchildren, and other family members, quilting, square dancing, camping, and traveling 49 of the 50 states with her husband. She loved the out-of-doors and took great pride in her yard and flower gardens. Joy volunteered at many community functions and particularly enjoyed serving the holiday meals at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Throughout her life, Joy had been employed at Setwell and Burwoods and later in security at Cherry Capital Airport. In her younger years, she picked cherries and worked at the local canning factories.

Joy is survived by a son, Roger (Martha) Radcliffe of Petoskey, MI and a daughter, Sandra (John) Heilman of Indianapolis, Ind. Six grandchildren: Jennifer (Scott) Radcliffe-Jones of Athens, GA; John Heilman III of Gulf Shores, AL; Judy (Andy) Balchik of Ironwood, MI; Jeremy (Diane) Heilman of Indianapolis, IN; Jody (Bryce) Kucharek of Petoskey, MI; and Kimberly Heilman of Indianapolis. Four great-grandchildren: John and Adrianne Balchik, Luk Heilman, and Nicklas Kucharek. She is also survived by her sisters: Bonnie Lannin of Flint, Emma Griffin of Traverse City, several sisters- and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, her brothers Jack Donkers and John Donkers (MIA in Korea), her sisters, Engene Willey and Lucy Carsten.

Memorial services will take place at 10:30 AM, Saturday June 2 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with Tim Moeggenberg, funeral celebrant, officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan or The Community Meals/Holiday Meal Program. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Please share memories with the family by way of Joy's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.