Bonnie Read

February 1, 2008

After eight years of valiant struggle with end stage renal disease, Joy passed away on Friday, Feb. 1, at the Corvallis Manor. Joy was born Jan. 24, 1931, in Seymour, Ind., the youngest of three children of Basil B. and Waneta Albrich Read. She is survived by her brother, P. Daniel Read, architect, of Corvallis; her sister, Waneta Read Caldwell of Mercer Island, Wash.; and two nieces and six nephews. Joy attended public school in North Vernon, Ind., except for her senior year, graduating from Rushville High School in Rushville, Ind., in 1948. She attended Indiana State Teachers College, Terre Haute, Ind., 1948-49. Following this first year at college she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from February 1950 to January 1953. Basic training was in Texas, with ensuing assignments in Illinois, Washington State and Hawaii. After completion of her time in the Air Force, she enrolled at the University of Oregon, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. For three years she applied her skills teaching English and music in Sheridan. Joy enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from February 1961 to January 1970. She graduated from U.S. Naval Officers School, Newport, R.I. Duty assignments included the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Pentagon, in naval communications; in personnel, the Naval Training Center, San Diego, Calif.; and as the personnel officer at Little Creek Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va. She served some years in the Reserves, her final rank being lieutenant commander. Activities during these years included: member Terre Haute Civic Symphony; Virginia Beach Civic Chorus, Virginia Beach, Va.; and Eugene Symphony Orchestra. She was accompanist for singer Flo Arbeiter. Joy volunteered at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, in the Corvallis Public Schools, and at the Benton County Museum. Joy was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon International Music Honor Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century Military Officers Club of Corvallis, and the Benton County Genealogical Society. Honoring her request, there will be no formal services. Remembrances may be directed to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.