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Merel Joy Obituary
64 of Phoenix, passed away from a brief illness in his home on March 8, surrounded by family. A member of the Monte Vista church of Christ, he was preceded in death by his parents Clinton and Marie Joy and older sister Elaine Joy. He is survived by his daughters Ronda (Scott) Derby of Iowa, Amber Joy of Phoenix, four grandchildren Austin (Phoenix), Kendall, Ashleigh, Taylor (Iowa), one great-grandchild Jaidyn (Iowa), eight brothers and one sister, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at the Meadows Clubhouse, 2401 W Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ on Tuesday, March 15 from 3pm to 4pm, followed by dinner, and a tribute to his life.
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Memories and Condolences
for Merel Joy
Elvis Milic
March 5, 2024
Missing you Merel!
Elvis Milic
March 5, 2022
Missing you brother Merel!
Cynthia VanLandingham
March 26, 2011
My sincere condolences in the loss of your dad, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be missed.
Dominika Harden
March 15, 2011
My family has known Merel for many years. He will always be in spirit with us. Merel would always make you laugh, and give you the shirt off your back. We will truly miss him and think of the great times we all had.
Tom, Lisa, Jacob & Emma Borin
March 15, 2011
We are so greatful for the time we knew Merel. He always had a smile and a kind word for all and was such a great example to us to have an open heart and handshake for others. Thank you.
Sylvester McCalpine and family
March 15, 2011
It was a joy to know Merel. One of the things we like about Merel is that you can tell that he loved the Lord. He would spend his time writing cards and letters to the sick and shut in. He was very generous, funny, and reliable. He loved his family dearly and he truly cared about people. Merel is an example of putting others needs ahead of self. We will miss him, but when we think of him in the future, we'll smile.
March 15, 2011
Like his name he always brought "Joy" to everyone he knew. I feel peace and joy in my heart for having the pleasure of his acquaintance. Thank-you Merel for sharing you "Joy."
Krissy & Missy Sullivan
March 14, 2011
My sister Missy and I have been so blessed to have grown up knowing Merel Joy. I don't know if we've met a more compassionate, selfless and loving person! Wouldn't it be great if we could all strive to be more like Merel?
Joan Reavis
March 14, 2011
When John & I would ask one of the widows at church who had visited them recently, they would say Merel and Amber. He was so good about visitng the sick and lonely. He was so warm and friendly also; I loved getting poems from him that he copied from his mom. We will miss his smiling face and his helpful attitude. John & Joan Reavis
chris emerman
March 14, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
Russell Shurtleff D.C. and Chris Emerman CPC,CMC,CCPC,CA.
Better Health Center
Ron Saman
March 14, 2011
I knew him for just a short time, yet I was so very impressed by his good Christian example, and genuine hospitality. We all need to learn to smile like Merel did.
March 14, 2011
Merel was the epitomy of selflessness. He made even strangers feel special when they came into the assembly at Monte Vista. He was a constant source of encouragement to my son, John Mosby, and his family. He will be sorely missed. He had been at the top of my prayer list for months. Ron Mosby
Elvis Milic
March 13, 2011
Brother Merel touched our lives in so many ways. We were blessed to know and love him as brethren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. We hope to see him in heaven one day...
Eternally,
Elvis & Ronda Milic
David & Bev Cravens
March 12, 2011
Merel was such a inspiration to all who met him. He was always kind and welcoming to all who came to worship the Lord. We will miss his firm handsake and infectious humor. We will miss him terribly. Glen, Nancy, Amber we love you and pray that you'll find comfort in the Lord's promises. Love David & Bev
Bill and Lygia King
March 11, 2011
Merel was a great example of putting others first. He always spoke highly of others, always spoke encouragingly to others, and put others ahead of himself. We all are better for having him in our lives as a friend. We have no doubt that he is busy working for the Lord in heaven as he did on earth.
love, Bill and Lygia
March 11, 2011
What a great servant in the Lord in all that he did without anyone knowing it! We will personally miss his infectious laugh, naughty twinkling eyes and his ability to make us feel good just for knowing him. God is so good to have put him in our lives for such a brief time. John, Cherry, Jade and Sloane Mosby
Vernon Judy
March 11, 2011
What a wonderful man! He exemplified selfless service to our Lord and King: always concerning himslef with others and never seeking recognition. Never have I met someone so considerate of young children: always seeking to bring a smile to their faces. His generous heart and sincere, entuesiastic hugs will be sorely missed. Though we have every assurance that Merel is in paradise, our hearts ache. Love, Vernon, Rachel, Noah, Kately, and Wyatt
March 11, 2011
Merel always had a big heart and smile, and a kind word to everyone he talked with. He will be greatly missed. Glen, Nancy, Amber, we will keep you in our prayers. Larry & Donna
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