November 23, 1939 - December 3, 2024
Joy Elaine Plath of Lodi, California passed to eternal life on December 3, 2024. Born November 23, 1939, in Sioux City, Iowa to Ruby and Walter Boysen, Joy grew up in Iowa before moving to Worthington, Minnesota where she attended high school. After high school, Joy attended nursing school earning her Nursing Degree and began a gratifying 47 year career as an operating room nurse, most of those years at Lodi Community Hospital and Lodi Outpatient Surgery Center. Joy loved nursing and saw it as ministry apart from the church. She had a heart for the Lord that carried into her care of patients as a calming presence offering peace to patients and their families.
Joy also loved the ministry that accompanied her position as "Pastor's Wife" to Bill, with a genuine love for the church and its members. She had a gift for planning special ministry events and writing skits to accompany them. Along with participating in Bible studies she also enjoyed choir, handbells and leadership in LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League).
Joy was affectionately known as Gramma by her 8 grandchildren. She was always eager to hear about the different activities the kids were involved in and freely sang their praises whenever she got the chance.
Her other interests included crafting, reading, traveling, watching and cheering on the Sacramento Kings.
Joy was baptized in the Presbyterian church and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, most recently attending St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lodi. She loved the Lord and gladly, JOYfully, served as His hands and feet throughout her life.
The family wish to thank the Brookdale staff, Suncrest Hospice and Lynette Moline for their compassionate care for mom to the end.
Joy is predeceased by her parents and brother Wally Boysen. She is survived by her husband of 62 years William (Bill) Plath; two sons: Greg Plath (Heidi), Grant Plath (Brenda); one daughter: Janee' Gaffney (Michael); and eight grandchildren: Ben Plath, Elijah Plath, ClaraGrace Plath, Chad Plath, Preston Plath, Andrew Plath, Kate Gaffney and Megan Gaffney.
A private service will take place in January, with a public Celebration of Life event in the future, with details forthcoming.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Plath family.