Ellinor "Joy" Yant

Ellinor M. Yant “Joy” Joy was born in Stockton, California, the only child of Fred and Lilllian (Morrison) McDonough. The family moved to Washington State when Joy was a young girl. After graduating from High School in Elma, Washington, she entered nurses training at Tacoma General and received her RN degree. During her career in the nursing field she worked for Dr. Rosenbladt, Doctor’s Hospital and as onsite nurse and safety coordinator for a local chemical company until her retirement in 1987. She married Philip A. Yant, September 15, 1951 and they continued to live in the Tacoma area while working and raising their 4 children. After retirement, Phil and Joy moved to Hamilton, Montana for a few years to enjoy the great outdoors and be the “mountain get-away” for their children and grandchildren. They returned to the Tacoma area and continued the task of spoiling 9 grandchildren. Joy’s gift of compassion and her dedication in the field of nursing were not just evident in her professional career. Her friends and family were blessed by her gift and commitment to caring for others. From the birth of grandchildren to recovery from accidents and illnesses, Joy was there as wife, mom, grandma and friend to do whatever she could to help and bring comfort, no matter what the cost. Her name really does express who she was and why she is deeply missed. We look forward to a heavenly reunion! Joy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and daughter, Kathy Wainwright. She is survived by daughters - Lynne Mezzacappa (Ron), Liz North (Jim), son - Skip (Cindy); 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.