Alva Review-Courier -

HELENA, Oklahoma – Graveside services for Joy Ellen Rupe were held at Square Cedar Cemetery, Cleo Springs, Oklahoma, on December 30, 2017, at 11 a.m. Arrangements were by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena.

Joy Ellen Rupe, age 70, of Helena entered the Eternal Gates of Heaven on December 28, 2017, in Oklahoma City. Online condolences may be made at http://www.lanmanmemorials.com.

She was born in California on February 23, 1947, and lived in Modesto, California, for many years. She retired after more than 25 years at Tri-Valley Cannery in Modesto and was a member of the Teamsters Union. Helena had been her home for the last 11 years.

Joy is survived by Floyd, her loving husband of 33 years, and their combined family. The family includes Brenda and Dennis Rofkahr of Altus, Arkansas; Rhonda and Danny Moore and Richard Crabtree of Etna, Arkansas; Russell Crabtree of Indiana; Kathy Rupe, Garry and Catherine Rupe and Scott Rupe of Modesto, California; Gayle VanZant and Lynné Jones of Modesto, California; Allen Esther Rupe of Oakdale, California; her sister, Irene Ross, and brother, Donald Yowell, of Modesto, California; 25 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ellen Yowell; her sister, Maida Doake; and her brother, Eddie Yowell.