Obituary of Joy Pickrel

Joy Lee Pickrel died peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2009 in her home in Tribune, Kansas at the age of 75. She was recovering from an automobile accident that occurred in November 2008. Joy is survived by her loving children: son Bradley Smith of Washington, D.C. and daughter, Anne Groth of Phoenix, Arizona. Joy was born May 9, 1934 at Goodland, Kansas, the only daughter of Leroy & Lloyd Thorp Pickrel who preceded her in death November 11, 1964 and August 17, 1962, respectively, and her half-brother. Leroy Pickrel, Jr. As a teenager and young woman, Joy could often be found on the tennis court, swimming and driving, or riding horses. She earned her WSI certification and enjoyed many summers teaching swimming to others. Later, Joy completed her education at the School of Arts Institute of Chicago where she studied Architecture and Interior Design. A veteran of the United States Army, Joy spent many years as an entrepreneur in Chicago and Denver before returning home to Kansas in the 1990's. Joy was an ardent fan of jazz and often enjoyed listening to recordings by George Shearing, Mel Torme, Julie Christie, Julie London, Nancy Wilson and Vic Damone. Her favorite song was " Mood Indigo ". Proud of her Democratic heritage and membership in the National Organization for Women and League of Women Voters, Joy enjoyed lively political conversation. Often on Sundays, she could be found watching the Denver Broncos game, which provided many fun discussions with her daughter, Anne. Joy and her son Brad shared a love of dogs and raised St. Bernard's. She had a strong love of animals, especially the displaced and unwanted ones. Her beloved rescued Shiatsus, Harley Bear and Panda, will miss her. Joy will also be missed by her cousins, Dave Rowe of La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico, and Rosamond ( Rogie ) Rowe Sleigh of Solano Beach, California. She had a special relationship with Dave's daughter, WenDee Rowe La Plant of Kansas. She enjoyed afternoons in Tribune with friends at the "coffee clatch round table" at Dixon's Drug Store. Mother was especially grateful for all who cared for and about her after her accident. Thank You. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 1:00 at the cemetery in Tribune. Immediately following there will be a gathering at 502 Greeley Ave. ...(Moser rental). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Silent Angels Advocate and Shelter, ( Route 1, Box 72, Road "J", Leoti, Kansas 67861). Silent Angels, a non- profit, 501 ( c) (3) organization, is only one of two no-kill shelters for dogs, and the only one for cats in Western Kansas.