Joy K. Sommerfield

SOMMERFIELD, Joy K. Was born May 6, 1914 in St Louis, Missouri and went home to be with her Heavenly Father; the Lord of Creation on Dec. 28, 2012 Joy was a person full of Love, Compassion and Grace. She spent her life in service to the Lord and helping others. Joy attributes her Mother as the most Godly influence in her life. She and her husband Art were married 38 years, before he preceded her in death in 1991. Art and Joy joined Grace Church of Santa Barbara (now Shoreline) in 1967 and worshipped there for 37 years. Joy always had a great passion for learning and as a teenager wanted to attend Washington University in St Louis but was unable because of finances. Her mother found that Joy's Great, Great, Grandfather had been a Hessian soldier in the Revolutionary War and had left the Hessian Army and joined the Revolutionary Army, therefore qualifying Joy to receive a "Daughters of the American Revolution" scholarship. Joy attended Washington University in St Louis as a History Major. She was a vociferous speed reader and great storyteller. There was never a dull moment or lack of laughter and conversation in her presence. Joy met Art when she came to visit friends in Santa Barbara in 1943. After writing to one another for 11 years, and many long distance calls, Art proposed marriage on the phone. After Joys Mother, Mrs. Keftmeyer flew to S.B. to meet Art and his family, the wedding took place in St Louis at Joy's Mothers home in 1954. Joy worked at UCSB for 18 years for the Dean of Students in the Financial Aide and Scholarship Department and at the age of 62 she retired. Joy was a charter member of the Hospice Auxiliary where she volunteered faithfully for more than 35 years with compassionate care, freely given. She volunteered for the Council of Christmas Cheer, now known as the Unity Shoppe. Along with Dr. Pearl Chase, Dr. Hazel Severy, and many other volunteers, their goal was to make sure that every family in need had food, clothing and toys, and that all seniors living alone be remembered. In 1957, Joy petitioned and received recognition from UCSB for the local Alumni Chapter of the Tri-Deltas. She served as president, secretary and a member since the start of Tri-Delta's and traveled to several states with other delegates to attend founding ceremonies of Tri-Deltas. Joy also served the Republican Women's Organization and was thrilled to have worked on seven Republican Conventions. Joy and Art loved to travel and visited every State Capital in the U.S together and took several cruises. Art lavished her with opportunities to travel with her dearest friends to most parts of the world including all of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Joy is survived by her beloved sister, Charlotte Best of Santa Barbara. She also leaves behind 2 lovely nieces and their spouses, 3 great nieces and one great nephew. Joy loved her home at Villa Santa Barbara where the staff loved and took wonderful care of her. She wanted to remember her niece, Linda, who never forgot special events throughout her life and always came to visit her. The past four months Ken Larson (Jr.) and family took great care of Joy, because the Sr. Larsons (who have been her POA for years) moved to Texas. He took her on extra car rides after Dr. visits, toured UCSB and went to her favorite hamburger hangout. She would light up when Ken & Gretchen brought their three boys to see her. She was thrilled with all the Christmas decorations they put up. She also wanted to thank Ken & Betty Larson, who became like family over fifty years. About two years ago she asked Betty to call her "Mother". She did! In Lieu of flowers you may remember Joy with a gift to: Hospice of Santa Barbara, 2050 N. Alameda Padra Serra, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. A celebration of Joy's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Welch-Ryce-Haider Chapel, (downtown) 15 E. Sola Street, SB CA.

Joy K. Sommerfield

December 28, 2012