Joy Lorraine Jones, 89

Joy was born in Avoca, PA on Oct 24, 1929. She is the daughter of Ernest and Lena (Lloyd) Snyder.

When she was 5 years old, she decided she wanted to become a registered nurse.

In June 1950, she graduated from Moses Taylor Hospital School of Nursing in Scranton, PA. She worked at Moses Taylor Hospital in the operating room until Feb 1951 when she joined the Air Force Nurse Corps.

2nd Lieutenant Snyder reported for duty March 12, 1951 at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, NY. There she met 2nd Lt Frank Jones and they were married in the base chapel Aug 3, 1951.

In 1952, they were transferred to Wiesbaden, Germany. With the birth of her first child in 1953, Joy was discharged as a 1st Lt.

The path of husband Francis E. Jones AF career led through many cities and countries: New York, Germany, Illinois, Colorado, New Jersey, England, Louisiana, Mississippi, Turkey and finally to the 676th Radar Squadron outside of Antigo, WI.

In 1971, Joy began employment as an RN at Langlade County Memorial Hospital. In 1980, she started her pursuit of a BS in nursing from Mt. Scenario College, graduating in 1985. Also, in 1980, she helped to organize a Nurses Union, Local #5033 and served as president for 10 years. The final 6 of her 25 years at LCMH, she assisted patients in the Day Surgery Center. She never lost her enthusiasm for and dedication to nursing.

She enjoyed gardening, walking, crossword puzzles and water aerobics. She never left home without a book and was an avid attendee at the Antigo Public Library Book Club.

She was a member of Antigo United Methodist Church, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Disabled American Veterans auxiliary.

Her husband, Francis E. Jones, preceded her in death, in 1991. Survivors include four children: Steve (Phyliss) Jones of Chatham, IL; Mark (Patti) Jones of Utica, IL; Brian (Pauline) Jones of Indianapolis, IN and Susan Jones (Rhonda Tullis) of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Amy Josh, Jon, Ryan, Lynsey, Brandon, Harrison and Kevin, nine great grandchildren; Christopher, Konner, Meghan, Caialeigh, Emma, Brendan, Gabriella, Molly and Cailee.

She was known for her hearty and very audible laugh.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1 at Antigo United Methodist Church, with Rev. Deb Pimm officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church.