Joy Leanne Tavis

Joy Leanne Tavis, 65, of Grand Rapids, MN entered the arms of Jesus as she was surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at her home. Joy was born in 1959 to John and Joleen Domes in St. Peter, MN. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1978 and attended Austin Community College and Mankato State University. On August 11, 1979, she was united in marriage to Gary Tavis. Joy and Gary moved to Grand Rapids, MN in 1992. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Itasca County Pickle Ball Association. She worked various professions in her life including working in the ISD 318 School District as a paraprofessional in Special Education for over two decades, teaching music lessons while starting Keys of Joy music studio, and most recently, Co-Owner of CT Transportation, and Gardener at Pokegama Lake Golf Course. She lived a life rooted in faith, love, and gratitude, often finding daily reminders of the Lord's artwork and presence on Earth. She enjoyed playing piano, bells in her bell choir, card games, golf, hockey, and pickleball as well as camping, paddling, photography, skiing, snowshoeing, and traveling to various places and countries. She appreciated making memories with family and friends, often saying, "enjoy every moment." She is preceded in death by her husband, Gary; son, Austun Tavis; granddaughter, Laelynn Tavis; grandparents, Lloyd and Ethel Ludtke, and Wardell and Hermina Domes; and father-in-law, Richard Tavis. Joy is survived by her daughters, Amber (Randy) Kline and Aaryn (Neal) Forst; her parents, John and Joleen Domes; sisters, Jill (Steve) Sharaga and Jeren (Darris) Porter; 5 grandchildren, Adrian and Aric Kline, Mason, Montgomery and June Forst; mother-in-law, Phyllis Tavis; and many nieces and nephews. She will be forever missed. She was cherished deeply and her name suited her appropriately. She was the "Joy" in their lives. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, MN and will continue at the church on Friday, July 18, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, MN. Pastor Mark Peske will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, New Beginnings Pregnancy and Family Support, Second Harvest Northland Food Shelf Program, Life 97.3, or Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, which were all close to her heart. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 520 N.E. 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, 218-326-4000. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.libbeyfuneralhome.com.