Joy Lynn Loughridge

March 30, 1964 - August 12, 2014

Joy Lynn Loughridge passed away at her home in Willow Springs on Tuesday evening, August 12th after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born on March 30, 1964 in Hannibal, Missouri to James Edward and Betty Jean (Mayberry) Story, she was 50 years old. Joy grew up in Willow Springs where she graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1983. She later received her Associates Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Joy worked for many years for the Dollar Shoppe in Mountain Grove where she made friends with many of her customers over the years. She later went to work for Headstart in Palmyra, Missouri where she fell in love with the kids who greeted her as "Miss Joy." Joy had many enjoyments in her life and was an avid collector of purses and gift bags, going to yard sales and flea markets, and she was very talented in many different craft projects; however, the most important aspect of her life was her family. Joy had two dogs that were like family to her and she referred to them as "The Boys." She will be loved and missed by her family and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward and Betty Jean Story; her sister, Linda Gray, and two brothers Mike Story and Charles Story. Joy is survived by her husband, Brian Loughridge of Willow Springs; her three sons, Kurtis Story of Willow Springs; Clifton Story and his wife Lorena of North Dakota; and Michael Paul Story and his wife Naoko of Yokosuka, Japan; her step-daughter, Stephanie Loughridge and her two children of Springfield, Missouri; and her grandchildren, Kyah and Max Story of Yokosuka, Japan; and Amber and Corbin Story of North Dakota. She is further survived by her brothers, Eddie Story and his wife Wanda of Monticello, Missouri; Danny Story and his wife Peggy of Monroe City, Missouri; Clarence Story and his wife Maureen of Willow Springs; Fred Story and his wife Teri of Willow Springs; and her sisters, Kathy Castle and her husband Roger of Omaha, Nebraska; Sandy Secord and her husband Steve of Omaha, Nebraska; Marrie Cole and husband Jeff of Cabool, Missouri; Bonnie Smith and her husband Tige of Palmyra, Missouri, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.