Joyce E. Pitts, 85, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 14, 1925, in Crandon, WI, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Mary (Kelnofer) Ramsdell. She graduated from Park High School in Racine. When she was 20 years old she met the love of her life, John Pitts, at the Eagles Ballroom. They were engaged on September 28, 1946, and then married on July 10, 1948, in Kenosha. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1979. Joyce was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the St. Catherine’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary Club, the Catholic Women’s Club, the Bon Amici Club, and the Altar Society at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and most of all spending time and taking care of her family. She is survived by her four sons, Thomas of Silver Lake, Michael (Linnea), John (Willie) Jr., and Martin, all of Kenosha; her three daughters, Nancy (Al) Zeller of McFarland, and Peggy (Jonathon) Olson and Joan (Sam) Spair, both of Kenosha; seventeen grandchildren, Michael (Jenna) Pitts Jr., Robert (Erin) Pitts, Andy (Leah) Pitts, Jonathon Jr., Frank, Alec, Gina, Luke, and Anthony Olson, Mary Zeller, Sam Jr., Michelle, Jenny, and Laura Spair, and Martin Jr., Natalie and Anna Pitts; two great-granddaughters, Emery and Lucy; two brothers, Bob (Jean) Ramsdell of Pleasant Prairie and Dick (Marga) Ramsdell of Kenosha; and a sister, Joan (Frank) Main of Tulsa, OK. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; her brothers, Bill and Jack; and her sister, Kathryn Ammerman. The family would like to extend special thanks to nurses, Stacey, Kimberly, and Crystal, along with the doctors and staff of Aurora Medical Center for the loving care given to our mother. Friends and family are asked to meet at the church for a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated on Saturday, September 3rd, at St. Therese Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha would be greatly appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Joyce’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Brenda Michelson
September 8, 2011
I am so grateful for the opportunity in getting to know your mom over the past year. She is a wonderful and very special lady who will always be remembered and loved. My Sincere Sympathy and well wishes to you all.
Betty Neu
September 3, 2011
Many wonderful memories I enjoyed through the years at your parents house. Your mom was a wonderful mom and person. Such a group of loving families you all have become and I am sure she was so proud and so is your dad. You all have been a part of my life too and I am fortunate to know you all. May god give you strength with all your warm memories and love you Joan.
The Madrigrano Girls
September 2, 2011
May the memories of your mother give you strength - she was such a wonderful woman. Words can't even begin to express our sorrow.
Pat and Jerry Ontko
September 2, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. What a great lady she was. We so enjoyed talking to her each time that we met. She raised a kind and loving family which we were so happy that our daughter married into. You are blessed to have a million loving memories to keep your mother and grandmother with you always. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marie Serpe (Vaccarella Family)
September 1, 2011
My Sincere Sympathy to Your Family in the loss of Your Mom ....I will remember Her in Prayer, as a Lady of Fine Family Love.
Linda Tanner Freitag
September 1, 2011
Joyce was suggest a caring loving lady. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. I will always remember her visits with Nancy and Al and Mary Zeller. Enjoyed getting to know her. My God Guide you thru this time. Love you, Al and Linda
Trisha Blaine
September 1, 2011
My Loving Family,We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. I know there is one more angel in Heaven and that she was greeted with loving arms by many family members, especially Uncle John. I will greatly miss my Auntie Joyce's smile but know that she will always be smiling down on her wonderful family. We love you all so very much and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of hugs and kisses. Peace, Prayers and Blessings, Tony, Trisha and Sophie xo
Kelley Prickett
September 1, 2011
Sending my deepest sympathy to the entire Pitt's family. She will be missed by so many. She had the sweetest of hearts and kindest of souls. I will miss her dearly.
Aunt Arlene Uncle Gene
August 31, 2011
Dear Tommy, Mike, John, Mart, Nancy Peggy & Joan: We know how sorrowful you are with the passing of your mother. No matter how old we are, losing a precious mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know, but your mother's goodness, her caring and her wisdom will live on in a legacy of love that will always remain with you.