Joy Aletha Shoup

Joy Aletha Shoup went home to her Savior on Oct. 15, 2021, at the age of 89.

S h e was born Sept. 22, 1932, in Scott County, to Otto and Alice (Bennett) Geeseka.

She grew up on the farm where she was a tomboy riding her father’s pet steers, herding the cattle while riding her pony, learning to drive tractors, and learning to swim which came in handy later when she taught swimming and worked as a lifeguard.

Joy attended grade school at Shallow Water and high school at Scott County, graduating in 1950. She then went on to college for two years at Colorado University in Boulder, Colo.

In 1953, Joy and Rufus Schroeder were married. Joy and Rufus divorced in 1980.

During her years in Crowley County, Joy took part in many activities, beginning by working as a secretary for Arnold Wilshusen, the county Extension agent, and was a member of the newly formed Jayceettes.

Later, she was a secretary/bookkeeper for the family business, H & R Farm Equipment of Ordway (now H & R Tire in Rocky Ford), and helped with the family farm for many years. She was a member of the Merry Matrons EHU Club, Hobby Club, and the Thursday Afternoon Club.

In the 1980s, Joy worked for The Ordway New Era, and did some substitute teaching, enjoying the challenge. Her greatest pride was helping put together the Crowley County Historical Book in 1981 and being secretary/ bookkeeper for that group.

However, her most enjoyable times were helping with needlecraft exhibits at both the Crowley County Fair and the Arkansas Valley Fair where she won a number of first and championship ribbons.

Doing handcrafts, knitting, crocheting, counted cross stitch, making quits, and sewing - were her favorite pastimes, making something from a plain piece of material and some thread or a ball or yarn. This she proved many times with gifts for her children and grandchildren.

In 1991, Joy and Arthur Shoup were married at her brother’s home in Garden City. Arthur died in March, 1998.

Joy was an election judge for many years, going from paper and counting each vote by hand, to having a machine do all the work. She enjoyed doing this as she got to see, and have a short visit with many people, as election was the only time she saw them.

In later years, Joy continued with her crafts and just trying to be a good neighbor. She also cherished friendships and fun with her fellow Red Hats. She was a long-time member of The River of Life Fellowship in Ordway and looked forward to the Wise Bible study gatherings each week.

Joy loved each member of her family deeply and was always interested in what was going on in their lives.

Survivors include one daughter, Teresa Wadleigh and husband, Mike, Cheraw; three sons, Craig and Carl Schroeder, Ordway, and Bill Schroeder and wife, Kim, Rocky Ford; grandchildren, Heather Hoeme and husband, Oz, Andrew Schroeder and wife, Ashley, Luke Schroeder, Mark Schroeder and wife, Snowy, Tim Weiss and wife, Samantha; great-grandson Jacob Hoeme, a soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Agnes; brother Henry; and husband Arthur Shoup.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., Oct. 23, 11:00 a.m., at The River of Life Fellowship, Ordway, Colo.

As there will be no viewing, Joy’s request is that you honor her memory by calling or visiting a member of your family or a neighbor.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the ALS Association, or a charity of your choice direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home and Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com.