The Celebration of Life Experts

Joyce Thran

August 26, 2025
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Thursday, September 4, 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT
St. Joseph Catholic Church
936 Lake Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 343-6256
Web Site

Mass

Thursday, September 4, 2025
1:00 PM EDT
St. Joseph Catholic Church
936 Lake Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 343-6256
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

St. Joseph Catholic Church's Food Pantry
936 Lake St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 343-6256
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Joyce Katherine Thran, aged 90, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, following several strokes and subsequent decline related to dementia. She endured her battle with grace, always kind and loving throughout the time God left her on this earth. She was a devoted mother and friend to those lucky enough to have her in their lives.

Jovce's life exemplified one of faith, hard work, and abiding love for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Maxine and Grandmother Myrtle, her spouses, Richard Combs and Daniel Thran, and her beloved sister Sheila and brother-in-law George.

She left behind five children; Lynn Simon (Mike), Laura Combs, Jenifer Townsend (Rob), John Combs (Ingrid), and Michael Combs (Shannan). She also left nine grandchildren; Andrew, Mary, Molly, Cooper, Avery, Marilyn, Justin, Sydney, and Mike. She had eight great grandchildren at the time of her passing.

Joyce worked for Meijer for 35 years. Whether through employment or running her household and raising her children, she was always kind, listening first and responding fairly. Joyce believed strongly in hard work and instilled a second-to-none work ethic in her children.

Joyce's faith and love in God sent her initially to St. Augustine and later to St. Joseph church. She worked in the church office for many years. She loved her priest, Fr. Michael while giving generously of both her talent and resources to many, supporting countless Christian organizations in financial need.

Joyce's children acknowledge with deep appreciation the attentive care and compassionate support provided by her close friends, Liz, Pat, and Char, during her final days. They are thankful for the dedicated team at StoryPoint Kalamazoo and the extended care she received from CorsoCare staff and CorsoCare Hospice. Without that care, her ending would not have been filled with such dignity and love.

Mass will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church (936 Lake St.) with visitation starting at 12noon. Msgr. Michael Hazard celebrant.

While Joyce will be sadly missed by her family, her life will be celebrated as one of strength, love, friendship and great faith in the Lord. May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church's Food Pantry where Joyce spent many hours in service to those in need. Celebrate Joyce’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.