Joy L Harper

Joy L. Harper passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at her home in Rocky Ford, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. She was a sharp-witted, articulate journalist/editor and an enthusiastic Southwestern field archeologist. Born on July 8, 1948, in Hastings, Nebraska, Joy led a life characterized by kindness, generosity, and a love of travel. She had a remarkable sense of humor that was legendary.

After graduating from Manitou Springs High School and Colorado State University, she lived in Ft. Collins, Colorado, where she was an editor and proofreader for B. Vader Phototypesetting, 1975—1977, and CLS Company, 1980—1987. Joy loved working at the Gazette Newspaper in Colorado Springs in the 2000s, where she left an indelible mark through her insightful travel reporting and engaging writing. Joy's professional career was a rich tapestry woven with her passions. She also made significant contributions to the field of archeology at the Dolores River Project in the late 1970’s, where her dedication to uncovering the past was matched only by her enthusiasm and love for being outdoors and sharing her discoveries with others.

Many will remember Joy not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her deep love of reading, her exquisite cooking, and her fascination with wildlife. Joy loved the way a good meal could bring everyone together. So many of our friends say she was like a second mom to them, so kind and welcoming - nobody left her house hungry. She really enjoyed feeding and watching the many birds in her backyard in Rocky Ford; she knew her species. Joy found such satisfaction in the simple pleasures of life, and her spirit shined brightly in the everyday moments.

Above all, Joy took great pride in her family. She was the cherished wife of Michael Poynter for 45 years, with whom she shared a profound bond, friendship, many a yuk, and countless beautiful memories. Joy was a devoted mother to her two children, Ben and Molly Poynter. Both carry forward her legacy of strength, compassion for all living creatures, laughter, and love. She was such a proud grandmother to Sterling “Jayden” Cardin, who brought immense joy to her life. She taught her younger brother, Randy, to treat those around him with respect, laugh with reckless abandon, enjoy a good Tarzan movie (anyone remember the elephant’s graveyard?), and the proper way to eat lemons. What a wonderful sister and friend!

Joy is survived by her loving husband Michael, her two children, and her granddaughter Jayden, as well as her brother Randy (Joanne Eakin) Harper of Albuquerque, her sisters-in-law Mary Anne Wilkinson, Nancy Zaring, and Sharry Harper, and her dear nieces and nephews Keith, Penny, Tammila, Erick, Kyle, Alexa, Anela, Leah, Dave, Kate, Joe, Fin, Jay, Lori, Randy, Stacy, Jade, Ryan, Ian, and Adam.

Joy was predeceased by her grandparents (Jack and Lillian Harper of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; John and Gertrude Dreher of Hastings, Nebraska), parents (Earl and LaVon of Manitou Springs, Colorado) and her brother Dennis Harper, who will be remembered alongside her as part of her cherished family history.

As her family gathers to remember a woman whose laughter and warmth filled their lives with love, they find comfort in knowing that her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. Joy Harper will forever be missed and fondly remembered.

A memorial gathering will be held in Rocky Ford at a future date. Donations in Joy’s memory may be made to the Care and Share Food Pantry in Rocky Ford or your favorite charity.