Joan Lenora Haywood

Joan Lenora Haywood was not shy about sharing her thoughts on how things should be. "Don (Joan's husband) always said that if there is ever a job opening for a professional opinion giver, I darn well better apply," she was fond of saying. A few days after saying she was ready to be reunited with her late husband and son, Joan passed away Monday, June 1, 2020 at age 91.

The family will host a celebration of Joan's life later this summer.

Born March 24, 1929, in Hastings, Joan attended Hastings High School and married the love of her life on April 3, 1949, and raised two sons. The couple proved to be a dynamic duo, working together as farmers, at E.W. Bliss and later launched River Bend Golf Course and River Bend Travel Agency. In retirement, whether spending winters in Florida or summers in Hastings, they were known for everything from small intimate card games to throwing elaborate events and celebrations. Joan enjoyed flowers and music, often loudly blasting Broadway musicals while cleaning. She also loved to dance to Tina Turner's rendition of "Proud Mary." And while she would share opinions on everything from politics and relationships to hair styles and her retirement community's movie selections, she had a gift for engaging in warm and meaningful conversations and making others feel special, especially her family. A few years after Don's death in 2008, Joan moved to Sentinel Pointe in Grand Rapids where she continued to share opinions and laughs with friends until her passing.

Joan is survived by her son, Martin (Connie) Haywood, of Hastings, grandchildren Jeff (Jennifer) Haywood and Sabrina (Matt) Christy, and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Don, son Don Haywood Jr., her siblings John Hewitt, LeRoy Hewitt, Marian McMillen, and parents, John and Olive Hewitt.

The family asks that donations be made in Joan's honor to Hastings First Methodist Church or Wounded Warriors and dancing in Joan's honor while listening to this: https://tinyurl.com/joandance . To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net . Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.