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Joyce E. Rambadt, age 81, of Sturgis, went to be with her Lord and Savior early Monday evening June 4, 2018, at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born Aug. 7, 1936, in Shipshewana, daughter of the late Ralph and Nellie (Haan) Howard.
Joyce graduated from Brighton High School in Brighton, Ind., valedictorian of the class of 1954. Following her graduation, she was employed in the office of Harvey Paper Company in Sturgis and for 21 years with Dr. Heinz R. Weisheit, M.D., also in Sturgis. She also worked for Drs. Pechin and Keaffaber and many years at Sturgis Hospital.
She was a member of Sturgis Evangelical Church and was instrumental in founding Pregnancy Helpline in Sturgis.
Joyce enjoyed playing cards with the same euchre club for more than 60 years. She also enjoyed traveling to the beautiful area of Gatlinburg, Tenn., and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On Nov. 26, 1955, Joyce was united in marriage to Stanley Rambadt, who survives, along with her two sons, Steven (Diane) Rambadt of Hilliard, Ohio, and Mitch (Sheryl) Rambadt of Elkhart; grandchildren Jeffrey (Brookelyn) Rambadt, Tori (Danny) Vegueria, Lexi (Kenny) Hall and Brianna Rambadt; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Ralph W. Howard Jr. of Spartanburg, S.C.; a sister, Janet (Keith) Smith of Huntington, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Wayne Howard.
The family would like to extend thanks to Sharon Gill and Joyce Moyer for their love and care and to Hospice of Sturgis. Special appreciation to Laura Soule for her selfless giving of her time, care and compassion.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Sturgis Evangelical Church, 28201 E. Fawn River Road, Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of Joyce E. Rambadt will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. The Rev. Rodger Moyer will officiate.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Rambadt’s memory consider Sturgis Evangelical Church, 28201 E. Fawn River Road, Sturgis, MI 49091; Pregnancy Helpline, 1125 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091; or Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneral homes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
