Mrs. Joyce Kay Easterling-English

Mrs. Joyce Kay Easterling-English passed away at age 78 on March 2, 2019, in Chino Valley, Arizona.

She was born May 29, 1940, to Lucy Lenora "Nola" Butler-Easterling and Glen Lincoln Easterling. She spent her childhood in Oakland and San Jose, California and young adulthood in Aurora, Colorado. In 1963, she married Edward S. Blewett of Lodi, CA and they began their life together in Sacramento, CA where all three of their children were born.

In 2016 she married Gerald English of Chino Valley, AZ. Joyce is survived by her husband, her three children: David Blewett (Kristin) of Dallas, TX, Sara Blewett-McNamara (Brian) of San Clemente, CA and Thomas Blewett of Dewey, AZ. Nine grandchildren: Amanda, Elizabeth, Sara, Kate, Julia, Beck and Ryan Blewett; Chase and Clare McNamara; and two step-granddaughters Audrey and Erin McNamara.

She was a committed and loyal grandmother who regularly traveled to Texas and California to attend birthday celebrations, dance recitals, theater performances, baseball games, and volleyball tournaments.

She was a proud daughter, wife, mother, family member and a staunch supporter of our American service members and veterans. She held on to her Butler heritage in Missouri and was especially connected to the many many Easterling relatives that she grew up with and who were more like siblings than cousins in particular Vaughna, Charles, Carolyn, and Mark.

Education was a priority to her throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Sacramento State University, serving there as a yearbook photographer while completing her degree. Later in life, while working and raising children, she earned graduate degrees from both Colorado State University and the University of LaVerne.

She spent her career in Social and Child Protective Services, working with children and families in Arizona (Maricopa County), Colorado (Arapahoe County), California (Los Angeles County), Mansfield, MO and most recently in Chino Valley, AZ.

Joyce spent her life helping children in need with unyielding dedication and resilience. Over her 40-year career it would be impossible to count the number of children she touched and who felt her love through advocacy, training, therapy, home visits, food donations, warm clothes, Christmas gifts or even just getting on the ground to play with them.

Joyce had many hobbies. She enjoyed sewing children's dresses and costumes, making holiday decorations, canning, knitting, and antique doll collecting. She was always thrilled to find a "bargain" at the local thrift store and found many of her collectibles on eBay. She adored her pets, especially dogs Zoe and Cooper (who will miss their home-cooked dinners).

After retirement, and as a new member of the local community, she continued to give. She was an active member of the Chino Valley Lioness Club and the Chino Valley Senior Center Advisory Board. To her family and many others, Joyce was known as a person who would figure out a way to help anyone in need, young and old alike.

A Celebration of Life service is being held on Monday, March 11, 2019, 2:30 pm at the Chino Valley Senior Center located at 1021 W Butterfield Rd. Chino Valley, AZ, 86323.

Joyce will join her parents at their final resting place at the Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose, CA.

Donations in her name are welcome:

Chino Valley Senior Center
Attn: Cyndi Thomas
1021 W. Butterfield Road
Chino Valley, AZ 86323
(928) 636-9144
*Also accepting new or gently used children's coats to donate to the local elementary school.

Rescue A Golden of Arizona
PO Box 71987
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(602) 404-9663
www.golden-retriever.org