Evelyn Joy Emmert, age 83, of Elkhart, Kansas died Monday, September 23, 2013 at Morton County Assisted Living in Elkhart, Kansas. She was born March 26, 1930 in Wellington, Texas the daughter of Doyle and Velma (Cass) Aaron.

Joy grew up in Wellington with sister, Patsy Sue, and brother, Jack. Life was hard through the 1930’s, and at age 8, Joy’s father passed away. A few years later her mother married J.C. Emmert and she suddenly inherited eight step-brothers and sisters. Joy married Thurman Emmert on November 22, 1945 in Wellington, Texas. They had four children. Joy was a pastor’s wife and busy homemaker. For 34 years they pastored churches in Scott City, Kansas, Wheeler, Texas, Manhattan, Kansas, Sylvia, Kansas, Elkhart, Kansas, Derby, Kansas, and Palco, Kansas. They retired back home in Wellington, Texas where they bought their first home. Thurman preceded her in death on April 8, 1999. Joy later moved to Elkhart, Kansas to be closer to two of her children.

Survivors include daughter, Brenda Grasz and husband Donnie of Elkhart, Kansas; sons, Mike Emmert and wife Tammy of Elkhart, Kansas, Rick Emmert and wife J’Neen of Streetman, Texas, Jeff Emmert and wife Brenda K. of Sunray, Texas; sister, Patsy Sue Meyer and husband Ron of Hugoton, Kansas; step-sister, Nancy Harris and husband Joe of Wellington, Texas; brother, J.W. Emmert and wife Eleanor of Sacramento, California; 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Jack; and six step-brothers and sisters.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the Church of the Nazarene in Elkhart, Kansas with Pastor Keith Davis officiating. Graveside service will be at 5:30 PM on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the Fairview Cemetery in Wellington, Texas. Friends may call Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas PM. The family requests memorials be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or Morton County Assisted Living in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950