Joy A. States, 82, Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, October 13, 2014, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.
The daughter of the late James and Helen (Grube) Bell, she was born January 8, 1932 in Punxsutawney.
On March 20, 1965, she married Samuel J. States, who preceded her in death in July earlier this year.
Joy was a graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School.
She spent her career as a bookkeeper and an office manager for her big brother Blaine Bell at Harvey Company, and later for Hetager Drilling.
She was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Punxsutawney, where she taught Sunday School for more than 50 years.
She loved her Sunday school children and remained in touch with many of them all of her life.
She was passionate about her church, and her church family. She spent many hours with her friends at St. Peter’s and was an ongoing member of the consistory and served as the church treasurer.
She loved being a part of the bible study and sharing time with her friends.
Most of all Joy valued her family. All her spare time and energy was devoted to her husband and children. Finally, after many years of waiting, she was blessed with her pride and joy – her grandson Patrick. Playing matchbox cars at 82 years-old became a favorite pastime!
Joy was an avid reader and animal lover. She found joy in the simplest things in life, and everyone felt that her name fit her perfectly.
She could always be seen with a smile on her face and a warm greeting for friends and strangers alike. She believed in justice and fairness in life and lived by example.
Joy is survived by her two children, Robert States, his wife Peggy and grandson Patrick of Centreville, VA., and Julie States and her partner Audra Hixson of State College, PA; a sister Mary Ellen Sladden of Largo FL; a sister-in-law Mary Louise Bell of Lewis Center, OH; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Joy was preceded in death by her two brothers, James Blaine Bell and Emory Bell.
Her family will receive friends from 6-8 pm., Thursday October 16, 2014 at the Deeley Funeral Home in Punxsutawney.
A funeral service will be held Friday, October 17, 2014, at 2:00pm at St. Peters United Church of Christ in Punxsutawney.
Interment will be in Circle Hill Cemetery, Punxsutawney.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joy to St. Peters United Church of Christ.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.deeleyfuneralhome.com
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