Donald Monroe Joy

Donald Monroe Joy: born, November 5,1932, and died peacefully, November 18, 2012, at the home, he shared with youngest daughter, Angela, and Josh , and children. He was born, number 10 of 11 children. And was raised with 3 brothers and 5 sisters. His parents followed the harvest, and he was born in Milton, Or. They later moved to Lowden, where he attended school for the 1st grade. He had walked to school from that home, and always thought it several miles away. Later, moving to Walla Walla, in 1966, he was very surprised to see the house still standing and could see it was only about of a mile. He called himself a jack of all trades and master of none. Here are a few of the many occupations: a lumber jack, logger, log truck driver, and working in a sawmill. He milked cows on many dairies and stated that was his worst job, due to "swishing tails". He was a salesman for Ideal Harvester, Van Guard fire alarms, and Kirby vacuums. He would brag that he could sell manure to a dairy farmer, such were his skills. In 1966,he moved his family to Walla Walla, WA. Owner, administrator of Alvarado Terrace Nursing Home along with his wife, Helen, the nurse. The atmosphere of that home was family. Due to his back injuries, and a tragic accident, that took his mother, and almost the life of Helen, they had to let go of the nursing home. They had already began opening their home to foster children, and now looked full time at that desire. This took them to the farm at Yellowhawk Creek, in Walla Walla. Although disabled, he was able to pursue interests in boating, got his pilots license, and the plane to go with it. He also had a portion of the farm devoted to growing cucumbers for a contract with Nalley's. Eventually over 500 children would come through their home. September 2, 1970 ,brought the birth of their first adopted child, Tamara Michelle. They bloomed again at the privilege of being "young" parents. On January 4, 1973, Jennifer Dawn was born, and June 4, 1975, brought Angela Marie, who were adopted. Kori Lynn, was 12 when she came to the home as a foster child, and asked if she might be adopted. The Joy home was always full of welcomed family, foster children, elderly and friends. Some stayed a few days, and some a lifetime. Don, achieved his High School, diploma at Grays Harbor Community College, where he tested the highest score of any that had tested prior. Although it had been meant as a GED, because of those scores he was awarded with a high school diploma. He went on to college, in the late 60's, but again, related to that back injury, he was forced to set aside the goal of becoming a nurse. In 1992, both Don and Helen, went back to college, obtaining degrees in Hotel Motel Management with a minor in culinary arts. You could count yourself well blessed if you had feasted at any of their meals. Don is survived by his dear brother, Harold (Billie Jean) Joy, of Twin Falls, Id. ,children: Christine (Larry) Van Arsdale, of Moses Lake, WA; Judy (Howard) Hepworth of Twin Falls, ID, Steven (Diana) Joy, of Moses Lake, WA; Mary Ellen (Art) Skinner of Yakima, WA, David (Pennie) Joy, of Twin Falls, ID., Margaret Joy of Olympia, WA, Kathy Laughlin of Twin Falls, Pat Laughlin of Twin Falls, ID, Patty Laughlin of Dry Prong, LA, Mike Laughlin of Twin Falls, ID, Emory Warren of Twin Falls, ID, Rita Ewing of Yakima, WA, Kori Lynn Walker of Twin Falls, ID, Tamara (Tony) Orlandini of Newburg, OR, Jennifer Joy of Meridian, ID: Angela( Joshua) Miller of Filer, ID. He had 35 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife - Helen of 60 years, parents - Harry and Sylvia Joy, Brothers - Raymond, Paul, Joe, Bob, sisters - Mary, Beulah, Rachel, Esther and Ruth, grandchildren - Raymond Green, and great grandson - Seth Morgan Personal Memories: From Tamara Orlandini, I have great memories of Dad. I had a very fun, joking, and loving relationship with him. I was fortunate to have them move to Portland 16 years ago. When mom would work during the day, I would often drive across town and take him to lunch. Mom would call to check on him, he would say he was having a hot dateshe would say: "oh you're having lunch with Tami?" And we would laugh. When I lived with dad and mom, temporarily after coming back from California, I was working until midnight and would get home around 1 am, Dad would set his alarm to get up with and be waiting for me me when I got home. We would watch old tv shows together, one of his favorites Matlock. As Christmas approaches, I find myself remembering how as dad got older and could not go shopping for mom he would call me to come over, given me his list for her and his credit card to go and purchase her gifts from him. I was always thrilled to do so, though always wished he was with me. I am very blessed to have been adopted by two people with such open and loving hearts who found room for just one more. I am very proud to have had them as my parents. From Mary Joy-Skinner, I recall fond memories of dad allowing Steve and I, to go with him to the farm, and be able to assist with various chores: Steve always got to "drive", sitting next to dad and steering the tractor , while I sat next to him, happy to be apart, but inwardly pouting, when do I get to drive". Also, he would wake us up early and fix a yummy breakfast, of beef sausage, eggs and toast, (we got 2 pieces of sausage when he served us: I love you dad, and will miss you greatly. I am so glad, you will be with the love of your life, give mom a kiss from me. You taught me, that unless I had walked a mile in someone's shoes, to never judge them. I thank you for that and for all the times you were my hero. You were not perfect but Psalms 27:10, says "when your father and mother forsake you, I (Jesus) the LORD will take care of you:! (paraphrase by Mary). From Ruth Ellen Conway, Grandpa always had a smile of love that radiated out of him and will be greatly missed by all of us. . From Audrey Wright (Granddaughter): Papa and Grammy were a huge part of my life. I have very fond memories of watching papa read and avoiding his cane after being ornery. One Christmas, Papa and Grammy gave me a doll. Her name was Michelle. Papa told me that if she touched the floor that he would take her away. That doll never touched the floor! I still have Michelle and I will treasure her and the memories of my dear Grandparents forever. From Seth Wright (great-grandson) (5 years old): I remember that Papa loved Jesus. From Christine: Dad always would always help us with our home work and talk to us about things that were important in our lives. He would play games like dominos and card games with us, always showing his competitive spirit. I will always know that he loved me.