Joyce Utz

Joyce “Joy” Pearl (Phillips) Utz, 76, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Monday December 11th at her home surrounded by her family. Joy was born on May 19, 1941 at Bothwell Regional Health Center, Sedalia, MO, the daughter of Joseph Preston and Avory Pearl (Grimes) Phillips.

Joy lived in Hughesville, MO, until after she graduated from high school. She then attended Central Missouri Business College in Sedalia, MO.

On October 7, 1962 she was united in marriage to Billy E. Utz. Of this union two daughters were born; Dawn Renee’ Pinkelton (Barry) and Michelle Lynn Muths (Shane).

Joy was a devoted mother and wife, as well as a good friend and neighbor. She loved music. She started singing in front of people at the age of six and was always prepared to sing. In high school, she played in band, sang in choir, performed solos, and was very active in sports. Joy was also very active in church and Sunday school. There was always a lot of happiness surrounding Joy. She loved to laugh and have fun with her family. She also enjoyed being outdoors, racing, cooking, writing poetry, flowers, gardening, and people.

Joy was always looking for someone she could help. She and her husband had several children come to live with them. They not only offered these children a home, but also often provided employment, and valuable life lessons. One of the children who stayed with them, Sheila Barrios (Goodwin), was an AFS student from Panama for several years and became part of their family. Another girl who stayed for several years was Vicki Powers. She lived with Joy and Bill and worked for them in their business. She helped with their daughters and then was there to help with grandchildren.

Joy and Bill owned, managed, or were involved in several different businesses and organizations during the course of their marriage. Some of those businesses and organizations included: Pit Stop Café, Quality Body Shop, State Fair Towing, Real Estate property, State Fair Amoco, Shel-Rae Dairy Cup(Ice-Crème and Sandwich Shoppe), 65 Speedway, Central MO Speedway. Joy served as competition director at State Fair Speedway with Bob Baker as well as Moberly Speedway. Joy also served as the President of the Missouri Restaurant Association.

Besides her husband and daughters, Joy is also survived by five grandsons, William Tyler Utz (Allison), Justin Blake Pripusich, Zachary Taylor Pripusich, Trevor Joseph “TJ” Muths (Jessica), and James Pinkelton; three granddaughters, Chelsey Lynn Muths, Heather Pinkelton, Lindsey Beukema(Thomas); four great grandchildren, Brooklynn-Renee’ Kathleen Utz, William James Utz, Avery Michelle Muths, and Hunter Daniels; one sister, Clara Fisher; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by; two brothers, Paul Eugene Phillips and Jospeh Avory Phillips, one sister, Mary May Miller; two brothers in law, Art Fisher and Jim Miller; and one sister in law, Frances Phillips.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Sedalia, with Rev. Corbett Martin and Rev. Jason Kindle officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

Burial will be Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery, Sedalia.

Pallbearers will be Fred Smith, Robert Smith, Bob Zimmerschied, Bob Baker, Dwayne Steel, Steve Sinclair, Andy Williams and L.D. Schlobohm

Honorary Bearers will be Marilyn Treece, Brenda Walker, Beverly Jones, Earlene Heck, Pat Bail, Carol Summerson, Carol Glidewell, and Margaret Schultz.

Memorial contributions can be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church.