Joyce Marie Conley, a lifelong resident of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully in her home on April 5, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born in Big Rapids on May 5, 1933, to the late Harry and Dorothy (Petersen) Jensen.

Joyce graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1951. On July 7, 1951, she married Harry Conley and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage filled with biking, traveling, and dancing. Joyce and Harry were a deeply devoted couple, and those who knew them admired the love and commitment they showed to one another. They were a steady and grounding presence in their family and set a quiet example of what a strong, lasting marriage and partnership can be.

Joyce retired from AT&T in 1988. After retirement, she and Harry enjoyed spending their winters in Florida. Joyce enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She volunteered for several years with RSVP and was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Big Rapids Eagles Auxiliary 2535.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend. Those who knew her would describe her as having a loving, motherly presence. She had a special way of making people feel welcomed, supported, and valued, no matter their age or place in life. She was a particularly wonderful grandmother, with a stocked candy and snack cupboard always ready for her grandchildren. As a friend, she was steady, generous, and loyal. Joyce will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Marc (Deb) Conley of Big Rapids, Pat Gerding of Pogy Lake, and Tim (Kristin) Conley of Big Rapids; seven grandchildren, Jamison Conley, Bryan (Shawna) Conley, Justin (Romey) Gerding, Ryan (Myndy) Gerding, Allison (Reid Orchard) Conley, Brittany Conley, and Casey Conley; nine great-grandchildren, Hailey Conley, Bela Conley, Marcus Shepherd, Thatcher Conley, Holden Conley, Kanin Gerding, Marley Gerding, Sophia Gerding, and Oliver Gerding; her sister, Lois (Ralph) Marlette of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Dolores Horan and Bette Jensen, both of Big Rapids; her brother-in-law, David (Josie) Conley of Rodney; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vicki Gerding; her husband, Harry Conley; her brother, Bill Jensen; brothers-in-law, Dr. Walter K. Conley, Robert Horan Jr., and Roger Conley; and several nieces and nephews.

Per Joyce’s request, no public services will be held. Her cremains will be laid to rest beside Harry at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, where she was a lifelong member.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettfuneral.com.