Joy L. (Ray) Grandgeorge

Joy Linn (Ray) Grandgeorge, 40-years-old, passed away peacefully Friday, September 30, 2016 at her home in Clarion, Iowa surrounded by loved ones.  Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of many family and friends carried her through her almost 4 months of fighting her battle with cancer.

Joy Linn Ray was born on January 31, 1976 to Charlotte (King) and Larry Ray in Atlantic, Iowa.  The youngest of four children by 11 years, Joy was adored and protected by her siblings, Brett, Robin and Dan.  She grew up and attended school in Atlantic before moving to the Des Moines area.

While working at Toys R Us in 2001, she met the love of her life, Keith Grandgeorge and they were married on September 6, 2003 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Joy and Keith were the proud parents of two children – Jordan and Chelsea.  For Joy, being a mom was her greatest blessing.  She poured her heart and soul into raising her children to be warm-hearted and full of compassion.

Joy loved the Lord and loved people.  Her presence lit up a room and her laughter was contagious.  Joy exemplified the Christian acronym of her name: Jesus-Others-You.  She was devoted to her family and very active in their church, community and women’s group Bible studies.  Her passion was being a daycare provider and loved all the little ones that were in her care.  They were her “Bundles of Joy”.

Her surviving family includes:

Husband of 13 years: Keith Grandgeorge

Children: Jordan and Chelsea Grandgeorge

Immediate Family:  Brother, Brett (Shan) Ray and their children Griffin and Regan of Urbandale, Iowa; Sister, Robin Ray of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Brother, Dan (Laurie) Ray of Okoboji, Iowa and their children Kolton and Kaitlyn (Dillon) and their child Hudson.

In-Law’s: Father and Mother in-law, Roger and Fran Grandgeorge of Clarion, Iowa; Sister-in-law Lori (Ben) Demuth and their children Reece and Brooke of Eagle Grove, Iowa.

Joy is also survived by extended family, numerous friends and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlotte and Larry Ray.

Visitation will be Friday, October 7, 2016 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion.

Funeral services for Joy will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Clarion Church of Christ, 420 North Main Street in Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating.  An additional viewing will be one hour prior to service.

View Joy's tribute video here: Joy Grandgeorge Memorial Tribute Video