Joyce Tutton, 79, of Coloma, passed away Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service celebrating her life will be held 6:00 pm Friday, Oct. 6 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home where the family will receive friends beginning at 4 pm until time of service.  Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Coloma FOP Lodge 147, the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, or the First Congregational UCC of Coloma.  Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so by using the "Guestbook" link located on this page.

Joyce was born October 8, 1937 in Portageville, Mo. to Leo and Ruby (Yarbrough) McQueen.  She graduated from Coloma High School in 1956 having served as Miss Coloma and Gladiola Queen of 1955.  On March 1, 1958 she married Eugene "Gene" Tutton and continued her commitment to Coloma by providing Coloma Community Schools with over 38 years of service as a teacher, school system administrator and Principal of Washington Elementary School.  She also served on the Watervliet Hospital Board for approximately 20 years, was active in many queen contests, Clever Clovers 4-H Club, MIHA, Coloma Lions and Lioness, and the First Congregational Church in Coloma.  Joyce truly honored veterans and was instrumental in starting the Veterans Day Breakfast at Washington School, now attended by hundreds.

In her free time Joyce loved to paint, take pictures, garden, make flower arrangements, and attend horse shows.  She had a special place in her heart for her dogs and all of the wild birds at her feeders.

Survivors include her husband Gene of almost 60 years, a son Bryan (Leigh Ann) Tutton and daughter Lori Romeo both of Coloma; one brother James C. McQueen of Coloma, two sisters Shelby Jean Kelbel of Grand Rapids and Aline Moore of Choctaw, Ark.  Also surviving are three grandchildren, Mikayla and Micah Romeo, and Brett Tutton of Coloma, along with several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Joyce was preceded in death by a sister Geraldine Rothaar.