ELLINWOOD — Robert L. Joy, 79, of Ellinwood, Kan., passed away March 28, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born April 13, 1943, in Garden City, Kan., the son of Eldo Oliver and Lucille Marie Garver Joy. Robert has resided in Ellinwood since 2005, formerly of Great Bend and Garden City, Kansas. He graduated from Garden City High School, with the class of 1961. Robert attended Garden City Community College and received his master’s degree in art from Fort Hays State University. He was an artist, art teacher at Roosevelt Jr. High School, and Graphic Artist at Golden Belt Printing in Great Bend.  

Robert served in the United States Army in Vietnam in the late 1960s. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, Botanica, Wichita, and the Wichita Art Museum. Robert was an artist in residence at the Shafer Art Gallery in Great Bend, and displayed his art work at numerous art galleries in the area. He also was a dancer. Robert married Loretta Monteleone. They later divorced. On May 7, 2005, Robert was united in marriage with Marcella Birzer in Ellinwood. She survives of the home. 

He is also survived by his two daughters, Lisa Joy and (Chad Perrin) of Loveland, Colo., and Allison Joy of Lincoln, Neb.; and nieces and nephews. Robert is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Allen Joy; and sister, Lois Bush. 

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Ellinwood with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with family present. A Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be given to the Shafer Art Gallery in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Home

214 West Ave. South

Lyons, KS.  67554

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2023