Joyleen Kaye Foss

Joyleen Kaye "Joy" Foss, age 82, of Clive, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joy was born on January 23, 1944, in Logan, Iowa, to Harlan and Virginia Ethel (Anderson) Mickey. From an early age, she learned the importance of compassion and selfless love while helping care for her brother, Larry, who lived with muscular dystrophy. Those experiences shaped the caring, generous woman she would become.

To know Joy was to know kindness. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, loved, and accepted. She never hesitated to "adopt" someone into her circle of care, offering encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand whenever it was needed. She had an especially tender heart for children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities, and she found great joy in serving others throughout her life.

Joy loved being a teacher and dedicated herself to enriching the lives of those around her. Whether she was educating young minds, planning activities for those who were ill or for senior citizens, or volunteering in her community, she approached every opportunity with enthusiasm, patience, and genuine love for people. She believed that even the smallest act of kindness could make a lasting difference.

One of Joy's greatest expressions of love was through her kitchen. She was an exceptional cook, and no one ever left her home hungry. If you stopped by for a visit, chances were she would insist on feeding you before you left. Alongside her husband, Marvin, who faithfully tended an organic garden and five apple trees for many years, Joy spent countless summer days canning vegetables, preserving fruit, and filling the freezer with the harvest. She found deep satisfaction in providing for her family and sharing the abundance of their labor with others.

In retirement, Joy and Marvin enjoyed the opportunity to see more of the world together. They made treasured memories traveling to Norway, Paris, Hawaii, and on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise. While she loved traveling, Joy was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved most, creating memories around the dinner table or simply enjoying time together.

Above all else, Joy cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and faithful friend. As the oldest sibling in her family, she was an especially caring sister, which her family never forgot. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Joy is survived by her beloved husband, Marvin; daughters, Kristin Carlson and Erika Hotchkin; grandchildren, Lauren Carlson, Grant Carlson, Joshua Hotchkin, and Amelia Hotchkin; and siblings, Janette McMullen and Leslie Mickey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Larry Mickey.

Joy's family will remember her for the love she freely gave, the meals she joyfully prepared, the countless lives she touched with her compassion, and the welcoming home she created for all who entered. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and service to others will be cherished always.