Joyce Ann Kai

Joyce Ann Kai, 82, of Rockford passed away September 29, 2025. Born April 6, 1943, in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Clyde A. and Julia A. (Potter) Rush. She married Paul James Kai on April 6, 1963. She was employed as a beautician for many years working out of her home and later at Alma Nelson Nursing Home. After retiring, Joyce and Paul enjoyed working in their yard, landscaping and gardening. Many people would stop to admire it or ask what kind of flowers or plants she was growing and many times she gave them seeds or a small plant. She was very proud of her lemon tree she had grown for over 25 years and was happy to share fresh lemons with family and friends. She and the family enjoyed her backyard full of different flowers that attracted many kinds of birds and butterflies.

She was a music lover of the “oldies” always listening to songs from Elvis to Bob Seger, but her favorite song was Moon River by Andy Williams. She also loved to sing karaoke, her favorite song, Crazy by Patsy Kline.

Joyce enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved them with her whole heart.

Survivors include daughter, Julie (James) Miller; grandchildren, Brea Miller (Wren Gibbs) and Daniel (Lauren) Miller; great grandchildren, Taven Gibbs, Kyla Miller, and Madisyn Miller; Siblings, Eileen (Kevin) Ahlgren, Pamela (John) McEachran, Timothy Rush, and Robin Rush (Thomas Rodriguez). Predeceased by her parents; husband, Paul; son, Michael Kai; and brothers, Albert Rush, David E. Rush, Clyde A. Rush, Jr; and sister Jacqueline Caldwell.

The family would like to express a thank you to all those for the loving care Joyce received during her illness since March from the compassionate nurses, CNAs and other workers at Javon Bea, Alden Debes, and Bickford of Rockford. We would like to name each of you, but you know who you are, and we thank you for the hugs and helping us through this time. A special thank you to Mo Cara Hospice, Julie and Deb for your special caring and all you have done for Joyce.

A Funeral Service will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108, with a visitation prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.