Joy Ladd Wombles

Joy Ladd (Klinkmann) Wombles, 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She was born to Frederick and Mary Klinkmann on June 22, 1944, in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Joy attended Lake Forest High School, graduating in 1961 and then went on to attend Rollins College. Her major was education; however, she never taught in the public school. Instead, she used her training to raise four children. Her passion was art. She was a prolific painter and taught art through Friendship International. She attended Immanuel Baptist Church where she and her husband taught the 5th Grade Sunday school class for many years. She also loved leading crafts at Vacation Bible School and church camp. They also developed many enduring friendships during their adult Bible Class co-hort. Joy was a devotee to the teaching of minister Dr. Charles Stanley from Atlanta, Georgia whom she would listen to regularly (and often on repeat). She enjoyed many cruises to Alaska with her husband where Stanley's teaching and writings were part of the experience. Joy spent every morning in Scripture and prayer and made several books collecting verses into categories that gave her hope, guidance, power, peace and joy. She loved the beach, reading, spending time with her family and pizza night with her grandchildren. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Joy married, and was survived by, her husband, Bobby Glenn Wombles. They were married for 60 years. She was survived by her four children Bobby Glenn Wombles, Jr., Mary Ladd McElhannon (Ernie), James Richard Wombles, and Christy Elizabeth Wadlington (Chad); and eight grandchildren, Samuel McElhannon, Spencer Wadlington, Anna McElhannon, Simon Wadlington, Stewart McElhannon, Scout Wadlington, Abby McElhannon, and Shepherd Wadlington; and nephew, Jim R. Sorrick. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Judith Sorrick.
To honor her wishes, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Association.
Kerr Brothers-Harrodsburg Road is in charge of the arrangements.