Fern Hoyt

Fern (Pippen) Hoyt, age 100, was born in Nappanee, Indiana, September 20, 1917 to Gera and Laura Pippen. She grew up in Nappanee, attended elementary and high school there and graduated from Nappanee High School in 1935.

During the years of 1935-46 she did secretarial work, first at Winona Lake, Indiana then at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On July 21, 1945 she married Carl C. Hoyt who was then serving in the U.S. Air Force. After Carl was discharged from Military Service, and during the time he attended Michigan State University, Fern was employed at MSU as a Stenographer. She continued employment until shortly before their first child was born, a daughter, Carol Ann.

Fern was a “Stay at Home” mother. In 1954 twins, James Alan and Janet Elaine were born. She certainly was a “full time” mother then. Fern and Carl first lived in Lansing, Michigan, then in Williamston, Zeeland and more recently Holland. She was a helpmate to her husband.

During the years when the children were in school she was active in Youth Ministries in the Zeeland Free Methodist Church. The children attribute much of their early training to the guidance and counsel she gave them because Carl had to do considerable travel in connection with his work. After her children left home she always had a listening ear and they knew she supported them with her prayers and chocolate chip cookies. Her children were quick to call her “blessed”. She was a member of Central Wesleyan Church. Fern was preceded in death by her husband Carl and two brothers and a sister.

She is survived by her children: Carol Hoyt and David Byers of Douglas, James (Jim) Hoyt of Zeeland and Janet (Jan) and Dennis Scott in Holland. She has six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and a sister Joy Johnson who lives in Nappanee, Indiana.

A private graveside service will be held at Zeeland cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to International Aid, 17011 Hickory Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com