Joy Marie Tubaugh

Joy Marie Tubaugh

Belle Plaine

Joy Marie Tubaugh passed away peacefully on September 15, 2022, under the care of Essence of Life Hospice, at Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg, Iowa.

Joy was born June 11, 1939 in rural Blakesburg, Davis County, Iowa, to Russell Bishop and Marie Lavina (Walker) Tubaugh. She moved, with family, to Belle Plaine in 1949 and while attending school was active in drama, band, student government, member of the National Honor Society, class president 2 years, and valedictorian, graduating in the class of 1957.

Joy attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, graduating with a teaching degree in 1961. After graduation she taught English at Paullina High School for a year before returning to then-State College of Iowa in Cedar Falls, completing her Master’s in Education In 1965. Joy then accepted a position with Michigan State University and over the years, worked as a Staff Associate in the Student Affairs and Services Division, in the Judicial Programs Office with the Student Faculty Judiciary (the highest “court” that heard cases of alleged academic dishonesty) , and later with the Anti-Discrimination Judicial Board. She retired from Michigan State in 2004.

Joy was an avid Michigan State fan (and Iowa, when they weren’t playing Michigan State). Although she lived almost three quarters of her life in Michigan, and loved it there, her heart remained in Iowa.

Joy was inclusive of others, generous, attentive, and a good listener. She had many friends whom she enjoyed, loved and served. She loved her dogs (German Shepherds) and traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad.

She is survived by two brothers – Jerry (Aracy) Tubaugh, Spanish Fork UT and Jack (Marilynn) Tubaugh, Oskaloosa IA. Nephews – Kurt Tubaugh, Tecumseh MO; Jared (Adrianne) Tubaugh, Omaha NE; Seth (Lindsey) Tubaugh, Syracuse UT; Steve (Mary) Koogler, Altoona IA; Mike (Susan) Koogler, Coralville IA. Nieces – Roshan (Tom) Richards, Pleasant Grove UT; Melyse (Rick) Sparks, North Liberty IA; Stephanie Koogler, Des Moines IA; many great nieces and nephews and her “Forever Friend,” Ruth Renaud, Okemos MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James “Jimmy,” sister-in-law Elaine (Bordwell) Tubaugh, and “Forever Friends,” Sandra Vaughn & Hermione Shantz.

Following Cremation, interment will be at Blakesburg Cemetery, Blakesburg IA and East Lawn Memorial Garden, Okemos MI. No immediate services will be held, with a “Celebration of Life” at a future date.

Arrangements by Hrabak – Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine IA.