Joy J. Bartholomew

Joy J. Bartholomew, 90, of Fowler, formerly of Morocco, passed away Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. She was born in Morocco on May 26, 1931, the daughter of Lucius Heath and Tessie (Woods) Heath. She was a 1949 graduate of Morocco High School.

Joy worked at Railroad Salvage in Morocco and was a waitress at American Legion Post #146 and the Illiana Club. She was a member of the United Church of Morocco and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting, and in her younger years she enjoyed bowling. Joy was very patriotic and proudly flew the American flag at her home. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them.

She is survived by one son, Stephen (Annette) Deardurff of Fowler; one daughter, Karen Lade of Donovan, IL;10 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by one son, Rick Deardurff; one daughter, Vickie Brammer; one grandson, Brandon Brammer; her parents, Lucius and Tessie Heath; three sisters: Gurnie Cushman, Mary Gilmore, and Betty Carlson (and her husband, Vick Carlson); and one son-in-law, Dennis Lade.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 from 10 a.m. until time of funeral at 12 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Morocco. Stephen Deardurff officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the family has requested that masks be worn by all those in attendance.

Memorials may be made to Morocco American Legion Post #146. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.