Joy Anne Linville

She enjoyed a happy, idyllic childhood in the country, growing up on the family farm, Highview Ranch, just east of the small village of Blythedale. Surrounded by animals, she especially loved caring for and riding her white Tennessee Walker/Arabian horse, Jubilee, and was a member of the Blythedale Saddle Club. She attended primary school in Blythedale before transferring (due to consolidation) to North Harrison in Eagleville, where she was voted "prettiest girl", excelled as a drum majorette, and played basketball. She graduated from there in 1965. She attended Northwest Missouri State College (now University) in Maryville, where she studied piano. On December 18, 1966, she married John Kent Linville of Bethany. Their son Ryan Todd was born the following year. The family moved to Kansas City shortly thereafter, where Joy was employed at the United States Federal Courthouse on Grand Avenue. A second son, John Lee, was born in 1971. After residing in Atchison, Kansas for three years, the family moved to Liberty, Missouri in 1979, where she worked for the William Jewell College Fine Arts Program and sold real estate for Realty World North Suburban and Loren Chasteen.

Joy found her niche as an employee at the Liberty Quilt Shop in the old Corbin Mill. She loved quilting, and often gifted her beautiful creations to those whom she loved. She also enjoyed reading classic literature, the novels of Eugenia Price, and as a woman of deep faith, her Bible. She possessed a keen eye for everything from interior design to flower arrangement, fashion, and art. Her style and class were evident in her regal bearing, and reflected in the beauty of her surroundings; she imbued everything with her unique, personal flair. Most memorably, she radiated a warmth, kindness, sweetness, and charm that enchanted everyone who met her.

Joy passed away at home on Monday, March 21, 2022, from complications of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 74. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, "Johnny"; her sons Ryan (Lori) of Lee's Summit, John of Liberty; grandsons Jake and Joe; her two brothers Larry (Lucy) Baxter and Tony (Patricia) Baxter both of Blythedale; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was an unforgettable, loving, beautiful, one of a kind lady and will be so very missed.

A Remembrance & Celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, April 3 from 1 to 3pm at the Staley Farms Golf Club, Fairway Room, 10310 N. Olive Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64155; phone 816-734-3839.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.