Marilyn “Joyce” (Petty) Michels, 84 of Olney, Illinois, passed away at her home on Friday, September 11, 2020.  

Marilyn “Joyce” was born on November 16, 1935 in Sumner, Il,  the daughter of Vern & Georgia Petty. She married Harold E. Michels in 1957 at United Methodist Church in Olney, Il.  He preceded her in death in 1990.

Marilyn "Joyce" loved the Lord, her family, and America and did her best to serve them all.  She grew up in the Methodist Church and after marriage became an active member of Elm Street Christian Church, serving in numerous ministries for the rest of her life.  Music was a big part of her life and she shared that love through singing in and directing choirs, playing and giving lessons on Violin and participating in Madrigals and Musicals.  In college/life she was involved in Alpha Upsilon of PI Lambda Theta, a swimmer for the Red Cross, member of the Rifle Association, Life Member of the RNC, and was a PTA Member and President of the Band Boosters at ERHS.  She was also a Teacher at the Elementary, Middle and High School at different times in her life.  

Marilyn "Joyce" is survived by her Brother Gerald L. Petty of Fort Walton Beach, FL.; sister Judith A. Petty and brother-in-law Larry A. Johnson of Littleton, CO.; sister-in-law Mary Margaret Sutton of Olney, IL.; daughters, Kathy J. Keimig of Olney, IL and Cheri A. Michels of Olney, IL.; son Greg A. Michels and daughter-in law Suzanne Michels of Olney, IL; grandchildren Holly N. Keimig and friend Josh Smith of Evansville, IN.; Jacob Michels and wife Reiley of Olney, IL.; Scott G. Keimig and friend Erin Duffy of Crosby, TX.; Brittany E. Michels of Montezuma, IA.; and Christian M. Michels and wife Melinda of Paris, IL. and several nieces, nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Besides her husband, Harold E. Michels; she was preceded in death by her father, Gerald V. Petty of Olney, IL., mother Georgia L. Petty of Olney, IL.; father-in-law, Albert R. Michels of Olney, IL., and mother-in-law Myrtle Michels of Olney, IL., sister-in-law Betty J. Petty of Fort Walton Beach, FL.; and other family members.

There will be a Memorial Service held for Marilyn at 9:30 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Elm Street Christian Church in Olney, IL, with a Visitation beginning at 9:00 AM at the church.

There will be a Private Family Interment at Haven Hill Cemetery.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney – September 14, 2020