Joanne Backus

Joanne Backus, age 83 of Royal Oak, passed away Friday, August 9, 2019 at home. She was born August 10, 1935 in Shawano, Wisconsin. Mrs. Backus worked as a dental assistant for 57 years for Dr. Loyal Alaniva, DDS in Ferndale and was a longtime member of the Royal Oak Detroit Elks #34. She loved to play cards, especially Euchre and Pinochle. Joanne also enjoyed bowling and golfing. But most of all, she loved being with her family. She will be greatly missed. Surviving her are her children, Terrie (Robert) Schmaus, Jane (Donald) Lukas, Kathleen (Steve) Seib, and Michael (Sherri) Backus; sisters, Nancy Marsano and Beverly (Jack Ferns) Summers; grandchildren, Jennifer Schmaus, Jessica (Matthew) Prush, Jamie Schmaus, Joanne Lukas, Katie (Josh) Katinsky, Nicole (Matthew) Harper, Ryan Babauef, Bradley Truan, Nicholas Truan, Joseph Backus, Michael Backus, and Daniel Backus; and 14 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, George; her mother, Winfred Schultz and her sister, Dorothy Reid. The family will receive friends Monday, August 12 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home, 2125 12 Mile Road, Berkley (between Coolidge Road and Woodward Avenue). Funeral service will begin 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 13 at the Funeral Home. A procession to Roseland Park Cemetery for the committal service will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018.