Melba Jean Joy

Melba J. Joy, age 86, of Cuba, Missouri, formerly of Silva, MO, passed away March 4, 2025, at Cuba Manor. She was born November 19, 1938, in Clubb, MO, to the late Grady Joe and Neomia Magdalene (Tibbs) Allen.
Melba was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. On July 17, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth L. Joy, and they were blessed with three wonderful children. Melba's family was the center of her life. A woman of deep faith, Melba was a lifelong Christian and of the Baptist faith. She attended Deer Creek Baptist Church in Cuba, when her health allowed, and found peace and joy in her church family. Melba had a variety of passions that brought her great happiness. She loved the simple pleasures of life, enjoying time spent outdoors gardening and tending to her flowers. Singing and painting were among her favorite pastimes, filling her life with creativity and joy. She also found much joy in camping and spending time in nature. In addition to her hobbies, Melba was known for her culinary talents and cherished family gatherings. Her home was always open, and she delighted in cooking for her loved ones, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Melba was the proud owner and operator of New Image Beauty Shop in Greenville, where she worked as a licensed beautician and served the community with dedication and care.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-nine years; brothers: Loyd and Loy Ray Allen; sisters: Mary Garner, Lois Allen, and Mildred Craig.
Melba is survived by her children: Kenneth Lee Joy Jr. and wife Julie of Wappapello, Sandy Jo Wood and husband David of Cuba, and Cathy Lynn Wood and husband Dean of Clubb; grandchildren, Regina Hicks and husband Jim, heather Elder and husband Rhett, April Pinnell and husband Darrell, Travis Joy and wife Sarah, Misty Wooley and husband Eric; great-grandchildren: Alex Hicks, Rylee Hunden, Davey Pinnell, Blake Pinnell, Wyatt Elder, Kimber Elder, Sarah Hicks, Maci Joy, Riley Maize, Waylon Joy, Izzabell Wooley, Jackson Wooley; brothers: Jay and Roger Allen; sister: Karen "Sue" Henry and husband Mike; many nieces and nephews. Melba was a remarkable woman whose kindness, warmth, and loving spirit touched the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she brightened. May your love continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know you.
Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 7, 2025, also in the Greenville Chapel. Bro. Kenny Burchard ministered to the family. Bro. Louie Robinson read the obituary. Mike Allen, Larry Allen, Dale Allen, Matt Joy, David Joy, and Freddy Joy served as pallbearers. Burial followed in New Prospect Cemetery, Silva. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com
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