Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Prentiss, Joan G. (Curtis) February 9, 2019 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Pat Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net August 29, 2020, 10:23 am Lakewood News-Feb. 23, 2019 JOAN G. PRENTISS Interlochen, MI - Joan G. (Curtis) Prentiss, age 88, of Interlochen, was reunited with her beloved husband Lynn in the presence of their Lord on Saturday, February 9, 2019. Joan was born February 27, 1930 in Hastings, to Nettie (Miller) and Voight Curtis She graduated from lake Odessa High School in 1947 and retained lifelong ties to classmates there, returning for alumni banquets and informal gatherings with a close group of compatriots who dubbed themselves "the Hags." On September 17, 1950, Joan married her hometown sweetheart, O. Lynn Prentiss, and together they built a home full of laughter, Music, books, and love. After a number of early moves, in 1965 the couple settled in Interlochen and remained there the rest of their lives. Their was always room for one more at their dinner table, where conversation was lively and Joan was as likely to be overcome with giggles as any of her five daughters. As feisty and independent as she was sweet and nurturing, Joan held a number of jobs over the years, including working as a grocery clerk and operating a home daycare, among others; but her most important and heartfelt role was that of matriarch. She cooked and baked from scratch, made clothes at home, and spent hours rocking, reading, and singing to little ones, as well as joining in their crafts and games. Sharing time with family was her greatest joy, and the younger generations looked forward to stays with their Grandma Prentiss, where there was always ice cream at bedtime. She was a founding and lifelong member of Interlochen Bible church, where she served for years as treasurer, Sunday school teacher, nursery attendant, and in any other capacity needed. Service was her second nature, personifying God's love her constant goal. "In the Garden" was a favorite hymn, reflecting the time she spent each morning in prayer and Scripture reading, and her favorite Bible Verse was Philippians 4:13; "I can do all things through christ which strengthen me." Joan found peace in nature throughout her life, enjoying days at the beach, walks in the forest, and endless pleasure feeding and watching the birds and other creatures of her wooded backyard. Camping, fishing, and travel were among the loves she shared with Lynn, both with their growing family and in later retirement year. Together they journeyed around the state and country, including one memorable Hawaiian vacation and a long-anticipated road trip through Alaska in 1993. In addition to her beloved, Joan was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Jerilou (Kendall) Cross and Jackie (Tom) Gilliland, of Lake Odessa. She is survived by her sister, Janis (Edward) Kenyon of Portland; daughters, Martha Kissell of Hudsonville, Maureen (Timothy) Draper of Mesick, Mary (Lisa Panagopoulos) Rasmussen of Interlochen, Melissa (Terry) Rhodes of Interlochen, and Melody Karr of Mesick; 12 grandchildren; 28 great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, informal "adoptees", friends, and church family. Her irrepressible humor and innate kindness will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, with Pastor Caleb Simerson and the Reverend Bill Ehnis officiating. Interment will follow in the Inland township cemetery in Interlochen. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Interlochen Bible church. www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/p/prentiss38466nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 4.2 Kb