Alexis Lucille Josef

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Alexis…a woman of kindness, compassion, and unwavering love.

From a young age, Alexis had a heart for helping others, especially the elderly. She fulfilled that calling as a devoted home health care nurse, caring not only for patients’ needs but for their hearts…even those others found difficult. She lived out Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Her compassion began in her own family. She lovingly cared for her grandmother, Connie, who raised her as a child, and was by her side at her passing. She also cared for her husband’s mother, Norma, with that same devotion, remaining at her bedside until her final breath.

She found joy in simple things…flowers, birds, animals. She loved visiting garden centers, feeding the birds, and caring for her pets, Otis and Hairy. These little joys reflected her appreciation for the beauty God placed in the world.

But her greatest joy was always people and her family…her children, Kenny and Rob; her grandchildren, Derek and Wesley; her nieces and nephews; her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends. She forgave easily, never held grudges, and always made time to care for others. She was also very fortunate to welcome and love her new granddaughter, Kali, and was able to spend precious time with her at the end of her journey…a gift she treasured deeply.

She was also a loving and faithful wife to Robert. Robert and Alexis met and were married in 1968, beginning a partnership that would last nearly 60 years. Their life together was built on love, respect, and shared faith…and during that entire time, they were rarely apart. They were a living example of Proverbs 31:10: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

In her later years, Alexis faced a long and difficult battle with dementia and endured multiple strokes. Yet even in the face of these challenges, she inspired everyone around her with the strength and determination she showed each day. She fought with courage, grace, and faith…all the way to the very end. On her final day, she passed away with dignity and peace, surrounded by her husband, her sons, and her grandson.

Her faith was her anchor. She read her devotionals daily, trusted in God’s promises, and believed fully in Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Now she is reunited with her parents and her daughter, Megan, whom she lost in infancy. I imagine Megan running into her arms in heaven. Revelation 21:4 tells us: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more… the former things have passed away.”

I like to think of Alexis dancing in heaven…surrounded by flowers that never fade, birds that never fly away, and the loved ones she has missed for so long.

We will miss her…in the phone calls, the visits, the quiet acts of care she gave so freely. But we will carry her forward. Every time we choose kindness, forgive quickly, and notice the beauty around us, we honor her memory.

Alexis lived 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And now, she has received the crown of righteousness promised to all who love the Lord.

Rest in peace, Alexis. We love you, we thank God for you, and we look forward to the day we meet again