Joyce Elaine Backus Yech

Joyce Elaine Backus (Morse) Yech passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at her home in Bridgman, Michigan.  

She was born January 5, 1952, to Melvin Backus, Sr., and Lois Pitchford Backus, and grew up on the family’s farm in Union Pier, Michigan.  

On October 23, 1971, she married Alan Morse, who preceded her in death in 2005. On September 1, 2007, she married James ‘Jim’ Yech, who survives.  

Joyce was a 1970 graduate of New Buffalo High School and attended Indiana University South Bend. She spent her career in the financial industry, retiring with First Trust Credit Unions after 27 years of service. She was a member of Sunday Night Mixed Doubles for more than 20 years and played with the same pinochle group for more than four decades. She had a rare gift with people, always putting others first, and was beloved by all who knew her.  

In addition to her husband, also surviving are one daughter, Erica Morse (David Boddorf), and one son, David Morse, of Michigan City, Indiana; eight stepchildren, Tracy, James ‘Jay’, Jr., Amy, Joe, Shawn, Kerri, and Karen; two granddaughters, Lauren Post and Anastasia Morse, both of Michigan City; 27 step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one Uncle, Leo Backus, of Niles, Michigan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends who cherish her deeply.  

Preceding her in death in addition to her first husband, Alan Morse, were her parents, Melvin Backus, Sr., and Lois Backus; two brothers, Allen and Melvin Backus, Jr.; one stepson, Paul Yech; step-daughter-in-law Lori Yech, one common law grandson, Carl Dean Price, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

At Joyce’s request, she will be cremated, with Pike Funeral Home in charge of arrangements; a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her honor is asked to do so through their local chapter of the American Cancer Society.  

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.