"I am very thankful to have had such a great sister-in-law as Joy. From the time she joined the Schildroth family in 1977, her warm and gentle spirit was a wonderful addition to our family. Her love for her God and family did not go unnoticed. Her legacy will be carried on as her children and their families continue to honor Jesus Christ. Joan (Schildroth) Blair"
In loving memory of
Joy Aileen Schildroth
October 29, 1957 - October 25, 2014
Joy Aileen Schildroth, age 56, of Grundy Center, Iowa entered eternity with her Savior on October 25, 2014. She passed away at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her adoring family.
Joy was born on October 29, 1957 in Petoskey, Michigan the daughter of Andrew Abner & Donna Gene (Simpson) Anderson. She grew up in Petoskey and graduated from high school there. She went on to Grand Rapids Baptist College (Now Cornerstone University) where she met her husband, Rob. They were married December 17, 1977 in Petoskey and made their home in Grundy Center for all but four years during which time they lived in South Bend, IN. During those years Joy and Rob were delighted to serve at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Pastor Doug (Judy) Erickson, and they met many dear friends including Dave & Brenda Stroup whose children (Rachel & Andrew) grew up to marry Joy and Robs children, Ryan and Erin. Joy served as a church secretary for several years at Hillcrest and 11 years at First Baptist Church of Grundy Center. She also taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, served as Missionary Treasurer, ministered in both vocal and instrumental music (piano), served in AWANA, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was always a listening ear and voice of encouragement to anyone who visited or called the church office. The list of ways she served the Lord is much too long to be included here in its entirety, but she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and worshiped Him faithfully with a lifetime of sacrificial, committed, and fervent service. There was nothing she wouldnt do if it would honor Him, reach someone with the good news of salvation and forgiveness, or help someone grow in their relationship with Him. Joy homeschooled all of her children for at least a portion of their education and made sure they all participated in music lessons whether violin, flute, guitar, or piano. Joy was a favorite grandparent never forgetting a birthday and always quick to share her iPad. She loved playing Phase 10 with her family,(although she hated losing). She also loved reading her Bible, leading ladies Bible studies, reading, and traveling with her husband.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Joy is survived by her husband of 36 years, Rob Schildroth, of Grundy Center; her children, Amanda (AJ) Aswegan of Grundy Center, Ryan (Rachel) Schildroth of Fayetteville, NC, Erin (Andrew) Stroupof Warsaw, IN, Matthew (Johna) Schildroth of Grundy Center, and Michael Schildroth of Grundy Center; Grandchildren, Ethan, Andrew, Ellanie, Kayleigh, Ellis, Zachary, & Abigail Aswegan, Hannah, Leah, & Rebekah Schildroth, and Malachi, Levi, & Selah Stroup; siblings, Bob (Donna) Anderson of Levering, MI, Dave (Sue) Anderson of Burton, MI, George(Deb) Anderson of Grand Rapids, MI, and Teresa (Randy) Williamson of Davison, MI.
Joy always strived for excellence in everything she did, and she was especially passionate about ministering through music. In honor of this, a memorial fund has been established at Greenbelt Bank and Trust to enhance the music ministry at First Baptist Church where she served faithfully. In lieu of flowers, Joys family requests that contributions be made to this fund.
A memorial service we be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Grundy Center.
Tributes
"Joy was definitely a Joy to be around, always a listening ear & a voice of encouragement. Whether having good news to share or discouraged Joy was the person to talk to as she was sure to bring a smile to your face. Our family was Blessed to call her our friend!"
"Joy truly lived up to her name. She was a joy to know. She spread joy and was a kind, peaceful, loving woman. I am a better person for having known her. I praise God that she is in the presence of her LORD and savior Jesus Christ and I look forward to, one day seeing her again. MaryLee Kersten-Day"
"Joy was my secretary and I was her 'boss' if you could even really say that, she kept the office together and was the glue that fastened all the pieces of the ministry of First Baptist Church together. Joy was hugely influential in my life, even though the Lord only gave me about 10 months to know her. Joy pointed me in my life to Christ in everything, was an example of finding true joy in Christ and ministered through prayer to just about everyone in grundy county and beyond. She will be missed, certainly, but it is so awesome to know that she is with our common Lord and Savior, Jesus, today! -Pr. Nathan"