Theodore Joy

Steve Joy, age 82, of Wenatchee, WA, passed away on August 18, 2016, after fighting cancer. Steve was born December 23, 1933 in Sidney, IA to Ted and Wilma Joy. His father’s work on the construction of dams had them moving across the country; a different school every year. After the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, his father decided there would be a need for wells to get irrigation on the farmlands, so he started Joy Drilling in Moses Lake, WA, when Steve was in the 8th grade. Steve graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1952. Steve served in the U.S. Army from 1952 - 1956, with the First Cavalry Division. He was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan and played trumpet in the Army band, the only amateur musician to make the cut. He was proud of his service; as evidenced by the flag flying above their home off Cherry Street. He married Mary Ellen Nielsen in 1963. The Nielsen’s welcomed him; being an only child ,he really enjoyed life in a large family. They lived in Kennewick, WA until 1968, when Seafirst Bank transferred him to Wenatchee. He worked at the bank for 12 years and Growers Credit for 28 years. After a childhood of constant moves, Wenatchee is where he finally laid roots. He and Mary raised their two daughters, Tiana and Jennifer and he was active in the community. He enjoyed the local aviation community and his involvement with the Miss Veedol Spirit of Wenatchee project and the Glider Club. He was a member of the Wenatchee First United Methodist Church, the Applarians and the East Wenatchee Rotary club for over 40 years; he truly lived by the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” He enjoyed traveling, adventures canoeing in the Potholes, and participating in the Ridge to River event. Steve and Mary have many lasting friendships throughout the valley because of his involvement in the community; his many good friends are a testimony to his nature and he will be missed. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary; daughters: Tiana Joy of Bellingham, WA and Jennifer (Mark) Garnick of Kenmore, WA; four grandchildren: Jackson and Henry Huckabay, Carver and Livi Garnick. Service to be held at noon at the First United Methodist Church, Wenatchee, WA, on Wednesday August 31, 2016, followed by a reception at the Cascade Soaring Club at Pangborn Field. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center Raise the Roof Project, East Wenatchee Rotary Club or Our House, a project of Cancer Care NCW. Arrangements are by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.