Crystal Falls—Joyce D. Bendick, age 74, of Crystal Falls, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at UP Health System, Marquette, Michigan. She was born on July 19, 1945, in Crystal Falls, Mich., daughter of the late John and Alice (Anderson) Whitman. Joyce was a lifelong resident of Crystal Falls. She married Gene Allan "Beanno" Bendick on June 21, 1969, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Crystal Falls. He preceded her in death on March 27, 2013. Joyce was employed at the Iron Country Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, as a nurse's aide for just short of 10 years before retiring. In the 1980s, she and her husband owned Pard's Place Bar and Grill in downtown Crystal Falls. As a bartender, Joyce had "the gift to gab" and even more importantly, Joyce was a great listener. These two qualities helped to make this bar the top-selling establishment of its kind in Iron County at that time. Joyce graduated from High School through the Community Schools program in May of 1989. Her perseverance and determination to obtain her diploma was appreciated by her teachers, and she was chosen to be the commencement speaker for her graduating class. Her speech was an inspiration to all who were in attendance about the value of education. It must be said that Joyce was a "people person." Joyce was friendly, fun, and a fantastic friend to all. After meeting Joyce once, you were never a stranger. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable and right at home. She was hospitable, and famous for making her "beaver barbeque." She had a great sense of humor, a kind smile, a memorable laugh, and a HUGE heart. She enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapping, and especially the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Joyce took a very active interest in her children's and grandchildren's lives. She spent many hours volunteering, especially at the ski hill dances. She made it a point to really get to know the classmates and friends of her children and even her grandchildren. She was very easy to talk to, and was like a mother to many. Along with her husband, her only brother Darryl Whitman preceded her in death. Joyce is survived by one son, Timothy (Debi Zukowski) Bendick, Crystal Falls; one daughter, Shannon Bendick, Crystal Falls; two grandsons, Timothy Ian Bendick and Ronald Nicholas DuBois; two sisters, Janice (John) Ozoga, Munising, Michigan, and Jacqueline (Ted) Bartczak, Rock, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, and by one great-niece and two great-nephews. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Iron County Medical Care Facility staff and nurses for their care, concern, and for not issuing Joyce a ticket for speeding in her wheelchair! Joyce Bendick was unforgettable in the very best sense of the word. She will be missed. Private family services will be held. In the Spring, the family plans to have a gathering to celebrate the lives of both Joyce and Beanno Bendick. You may leave a condolence or tribute for Joyce's family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com. The family has chosen the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor Joyce's legacy of life.