Joy Ann Eads, 86, of Preston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, June 9, 2023, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

Joy Ann Struble was born on June 10, 1936, in Spragueville, Iowa, at the home of her parents, Theodore and Delia (Ehlers) Struble. She received her first eight grades of education at Fairfield #4 and graduated from Preston High School in 1954.  While in high school she met the love of her life, Irving “Charles” Eads. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958, in Miles, Iowa.  To this union two sons were born, Aaron and Owen.  Charles preceded her in death on January 25, 1975.

Following graduation from high school, Joy began working at Kunau Implement in Preston.  She worked there for five years and then decided to work full-time on the family farm they had rented upon their marriage.  In the late 1960’s a decision was made to purchase the farm from Charles’ aunt.  She had made her home on the Eads-McNeil Heritage Farm ever since.

As a youth Joy was very active in 4-H and when her two sons were of 4-H age she served on the county youth committee and for 18 years on the county 4-H Food stand committee.

Joy was a lifetime member and former board member of the Jackson County Historical Society, and a charter member of the Jackson County Genealogical Society founded in 1976.

Joy had a great passion for extensive genealogical collection of both hers and Charles’ ancestors as well as current generations, aunts, uncles, and cousins She liked listening to music such as Polka, Big Bands, and sharing her memories of attending a Spike Jones concert.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking, gardening, and her many colorful daylilies.

Those left to honor her memory include sons, Aaron Eads of Preston, IA, and Owen Eads of Miles, IA; nephew, Dennis (Bev) Eads, and niece LaVonne (John) House; and a wonderful and helpful relative friend, Sally Marvin.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Nola Jean (Marlin) Hoffmann, niece Kay Hoffmann, and brothers-in-law, Glenna (Rose) Eads and James Eads.

A graveside service and burial for close family and friends celebrating Joy’s life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Thursday at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Jackson County Historical Society or the Jackson County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.