Edna Joy Mullinax

Born in Oklahoma in 1930 to Newton and Sophie Webster, she was the sixth of seven children. Never liking her first name, she went by her middle name, Joy, all of her life.

She met and married the love of her life, Murvin Mullinax, in 1945. They were married for 75 years and together raised three children, Terry, Sherry, and Ken.

After her children were all in school, Joy attended and graduated from nursing school. She worked for many years as a nurse to help support her family.

Joy loved to travel and she and Murvin spent many years as “snowbirds”. They would travel to Southern California, Arizona and Texas in their motorhome meeting up with family and friends along the way.

Joy was known for her organizing skills and nothing pleased her more than to organize family get-togethers. Whether it was a small gathering or a huge family reunion with family coming from all over the west coast and Texas.

She was an excellent cook who embraced her southern roots and made the most delicious desserts, especially her blackberry cobblers and Texas sheet cakes. There was always a pie, cake, cobbler or cookies on her kitchen counter just waiting for friends or family to drop by. No one ever left her home or motorhome hungry.

Joy was predeceased by her loving husband, Murvin; her son, Terry; and her six siblings.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Sherry (Bill) Ewing, Ken (Helen) Mullinax, daughter-in-law, Cheryl Mullinax; her grandchildren, Mark Bickham, Ben Ewing, T.J. Mullinax, Ann Strand, Jon Mullinax, Kristen Newton as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the following for the exceptional and tender care Joy was given in her last months and days: Trios Health Southridge Hospital, Regency Canyon Lakes Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, and Janelle Guzman, her longtime caregiver.

There will be a time of visitation from 12 noon to 4pm, Saturday February 4, 2023, at Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA. A Celebration of her Life will be at 1pm, February 6, at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA. Burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Mullinax family.