Joan Ellen Pierce (Ballast), much loved mother, grandmother and sister went to be with her Lord on Thursday, May 25, 2017. A lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, Joan graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School. She was a longtime member of Hope Reformed Church and a lifetime member of Kent Garden Club. She spent many years volunteering at Ken-O-Sha School. Joan loved cooking and traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and daughter Sara Linda. Joan is survived by her son Todd; daughter-in-law Becky Pierce; grandsons Sam Pierce and Cesar Gonzalez; sister Betty Anderson of Connecticut; niece Hallie Sawyers and nephews Matt Sawyers and Bob Pierce. A private service will be held at a later date. In memory of Joan, contributions may be made to Kent Garden Club, ℅ Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49508.