- Born on: August 1, 1949
- Departed on: May 14, 2025
- Resided in: Marion, IA
Joy Ellen Tiernan
Joy Ellen Tiernan (née Ealy) passed away on May 14, 2025, at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Born on August 1, 1949, in Lake City, Iowa, to Wayne and Ellen (née Lorraine) Ealy, Joy was one of thirteen siblings.
She spent her career as a dedicated waitress at several well-known establishments in Cedar Rapids, including Pine Inn, Kozy Inn, IHop, Country Kitchen, Flannigan's, Willy Woodburn's, and Mikhaels. Through her work, she formed lasting bonds with patrons and colleagues alike.
Joy embraced the simple pleasures of life—cherishing time with friends and family, visits to the casino, watching old Westerns, reading and talking with her sisters on the phone daily. Her presence brought comfort and connection to those around her.
She is lovingly remembered by daughters Michele Moore (Rich), Tipton, Jennifer Hartman, Cedar Rapids; son Jim Ginther (Tami), Marion; grandchildren; Witney, Molly, Robin, Regan, Elijah, Kira, and Carter; and great-grandchildren; Zander, Sophia, Nicoli, Charlotte and Maggie. Her sisters; Sue Cavros and Julie Morton; brothers Ted Ealy and Marty Ealy; along with numerous nieces and nephews also mourn her passing.
Joy was preceded in death by her infant son Jody Henley; her parents; sisters Merlene Swanson, Colleen Levins, Carolyn Hill, Vickie Garoutte and Penny Ealy; and brothers Tommy Ealy, Denny Ealy, and Mike Ealy.
A private burial will be held, with a Celebration of Life planned for later this year. Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Michele Moore, 1113 Cedar Street, Tipton, IA 52772.
Thank you to the Oldorf Hospice house for their great care and nieces Shannon and Shelly, as well as, Joy's friends Dee and Mary for all of the love and care they provided during her four week fight. May Joy’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
In her honor, call your family, scratch a lottery ticket or drink a Miller Lite- It is what she would want.
Born on August 1, 1949, in Lake City, Iowa, to Wayne and Ellen (née Lorraine) Ealy, Joy was one of thirteen siblings.
She spent her career as a dedicated waitress at several well-known establishments in Cedar Rapids, including Pine Inn, Kozy Inn, IHop, Country Kitchen, Flannigan's, Willy Woodburn's, and Mikhaels. Through her work, she formed lasting bonds with patrons and colleagues alike.
Joy embraced the simple pleasures of life—cherishing time with friends and family, visits to the casino, watching old Westerns, reading and talking with her sisters on the phone daily. Her presence brought comfort and connection to those around her.
She is lovingly remembered by daughters Michele Moore (Rich), Tipton, Jennifer Hartman, Cedar Rapids; son Jim Ginther (Tami), Marion; grandchildren; Witney, Molly, Robin, Regan, Elijah, Kira, and Carter; and great-grandchildren; Zander, Sophia, Nicoli, Charlotte and Maggie. Her sisters; Sue Cavros and Julie Morton; brothers Ted Ealy and Marty Ealy; along with numerous nieces and nephews also mourn her passing.
Joy was preceded in death by her infant son Jody Henley; her parents; sisters Merlene Swanson, Colleen Levins, Carolyn Hill, Vickie Garoutte and Penny Ealy; and brothers Tommy Ealy, Denny Ealy, and Mike Ealy.
A private burial will be held, with a Celebration of Life planned for later this year. Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Michele Moore, 1113 Cedar Street, Tipton, IA 52772.
Thank you to the Oldorf Hospice house for their great care and nieces Shannon and Shelly, as well as, Joy's friends Dee and Mary for all of the love and care they provided during her four week fight. May Joy’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
In her honor, call your family, scratch a lottery ticket or drink a Miller Lite- It is what she would want.
