Joy Hannah Peterson

April 17, 1986 - June 2, 2016

Joy Hannah Peterson age 30, born April 17, 1986 in Yakima, Washington. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 2, 2016 near Arlington, Washington. She grew up in Toppenish, graduated from Toppenish High in 2004 and attended Yakima Valley College. She worked locally at Schell Produce and Corn Maze, Ace Hardware, as a Security Officer for Phoenix, Habitat for Humanity both as a volunteer and as a staff member and at Snipes Mountain Brewery. She also worked at Interstate Mills grain elevator in Hayfield, Minnesota. In January 2005, the Lord led her to join the Army Reserve, she completed her basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. She was then posted in Spokane, WA. Joy deployed overseas to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom March 2008-09, as a Hazmat certifier. In addition to her responsibilities, Joy was also Safety/Environmental NCO. Three weeks after returning home she was stationed in Beaumont, Texas. She participated on the women’s Army Boxing Team. The second deployment was to Afghanistan, after a week she moved to a position in Kuwait. Joy received 2 Army Achievement metals and 2 Army Accommodation metals and also many coins, awards and decorations. Joy received a coin from the Trans Com, General Duncan McNabb, for her work at the Port of Beaumont and other missions. She currently served at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Arlington, WA as the Movement Control NCO. In addition to her duties she covered a vacant supply SGT position. Joy served here 8 months making a big impact on her fellow soldiers. Her rank was Staff Sergeant, E6, she was in preparation for promotion. Joy’s interests were country music, anything to do with computers, cell phones, and great outdoors. She loved to hike, draw, take road trips, basketball and beer tasting. She longed to be in Minnesota on her grandparent’s farm. She grew up in Faith Lutheran Church, attended the Log Church in White Swan and Hope for the Nations Foursquare in Toppenish. She loved the Lord and listened for his direction for her life. Joy was a tender hearted person toward both people and animals. Her first dog, whom she loved was named Charity. And her current “baby” a 90 some pound mixed breed named Chewy, was her bundle of “Joy.” He will be cared for by a loving military family. Joy cared deeply about her friends so much so that she always worked hard to reconcile differences and retain friendships. Joy’s named described her well. She was often nicknamed “Joyful.” She was named after her great grandmother, JoHannah Schnettler of Ohio. Her friends and family agree that these statements describe her: “She never let moss grow under her feet.” “She was very competitive.” “In everything she did she gave it her all, one hundred percent or more.” Joy is survived by her parents Merlin and Denice Peterson, her sister Faith Peterson of Toppenish, WA, her grandmother Orline Peterson of Blooming Prairie, MN and her grandparents Robert and Jeanne Winterfeld of Toppenish, WA. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her grandfather Eldred Peterson. Joy will be missed deeply. We appreciate all the support from her military family, the prayer’s and memories from family and friends. The celebration of Joy’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 61801 Highway 97 Toppenish, WA on June 11, 2016 at 13:30. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Habitat for Humanity International. Friends and family can send condolences to toppenishfunerals.com. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.