It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joy Frieda Kobi (Gridley). Joy passed away peacefully at the Stettler Hospital on November 22, 2016 at the age of 71. She was on a journey to health but suffered a stroke in early November, a huge setback, from which she was unable to recover. Joy was born in Big Valley on March 20, 1945 and grew up on the family farm near Scollard. Joy graduated from Big Valley High School and made her family proud when she was chosen to be the first recipient of the Lloyd Lohr Scholarship. She went on to attend the University of Alberta and graduated with a Certificate in Education. She taught at various schools in the Stettler County including Donalda, Erskine and Big Valley. Her passion was teaching French, a language she loved. Soon Joy was swept off her feet by Dale Kobi and they married April 12, 1966.
After this Joy devoted the majority of her time raising her family. She was blessed with two children, Janine and Kevin. Joy enjoyed spending the summer months at home with her children, their friends, and her nieces and nephews. Seldom did she miss out on a day at the pool, a good water fight or a game of kick the can. In the later years Joy was often found at the race track cheering on her family as they raced Chuck wagons and Chariots around the track. She was always relieved when the races were all over.
In 1994, Joy was blessed with granddaughter, Kayla, who then became the center of her world. Kayla’s singing often filled the house and was a highlight in Joy’s day.
Joy’s interests in natural health lead to employment at the Fruit of the Vine Health Food Store in Stettler where she gained and shared a wealth of knowledge about healthy alternatives. Changes were underway at the health food store and Joy’s love of clothes landed her a job at the Treasure Shoppe. Later she was able to purchase the store. Joy loved working in her store and loved to help people look and dress their best. She had an amazing sense of style.
Joy excelled in bowling and belonged to several leagues. She competed in various tournaments and won many awards.
Joy had a unique innocent sense of humor and could always make you laugh no matter what the circumstances. She was a very kind, caring person and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Joy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 50 years, Dale Kobi, children, Janine Kobi (Brian Duke), Kevin Kobi (Tracy Breitkreutz) and granddaughter, Kayla Kobi. Joy is also survived by her sisters Laura Hood, Ivy Mewha (Don), Marilyn Stewart-Irvine (Al), her brothers, Arnold Gridley (Sharon Cooper) and Ted Gridley and her sister-in-law, Marie Gridley. Joy was predeceased by her Mom and Dad, Frieda and Raymond Gridley, and also by her brother, Halley Gridley.
Service will be held at Stettler Funeral Home on Saturday Dec 3, 2016 at 2:00 PM.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Stars Air Ambulance.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403-742-3422
