JOAN McCOY

March 22, 1939–Jan. 9, 2024

Joan McCoy, age 84, of Gillette, Wyoming, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 9, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. She passed away at The Legacy Living Center, surrounded by her family.

Joan Ellis McCoy was born on March 22, 1939, in Gillette to Leona Conley Ellis and William (Bill) Ellis. Joan’s mom, Leona, was later married to Roy Thompson. After his passing, Leona later married Max Moore. Joan’s father, Bill Ellis, later married Mary “Elaine” Ellis.

Joan had many siblings, some of them full siblings, some of them half siblings, and some of them step siblings, but she referred to all of them as her “brother” or “sister.” Joan told many stories about growing up on “The Ranch” near Keyhole Lake, and all the mischief she got into. Joan McCoy graduated from Moorcroft High School in 1957.

Joan’s siblings were Marjorie Thompson Johnson, Jack Thompson, Frank Thompson, Wanda Ellis Butcher, Billy Ellis, Betty Ann Thompson McNeff, Larry Ellis, Donny Ellis, Donny Moore, Richard Moore, and Sharon Moore.

Joan married Jerry McCoy on Oct. 18, 1958, in Upton, Wyoming. Joan and Jerry went on to have four children: Michael McCoy, Charlene McCoy Wenger, Corinne McCoy Humphrey, and Valorie McCoy Hofmeister. Joan and Jerry were married for 42 happy years, until Jerry’s death.

Joan and Jerry moved their family from Upton to Gillette and started their own janitorial business for Campbell County Court House. Joan later went on to work for Stockman’s Bank, which later became First Interstate Bank. Joan retired from First Interstate to stay home and care for her husband, Jerry, who was battling cancer.

Joan was best known for being there when anybody needed her and was always taking care of others. Joan has been described as, “The greatest sister that anyone could have had,” and, “The glue that held lots of different families together.” Joan was a true matriarch.

Joan is survived by her children, Michael (Tammy) McCoy of Burlington, Iowa, Charlene Wenger of Gillette, Corinne (Randy) Humphrey of Gillette, and Valorie (Shawn) Hofmeister of Gillette; grandchildren, Lacey McCoy Bell, Matthew McCoy, Lindsey McCoy House, Dale McCoy, Kim McCoy, Katherine McCoy, Joshua Wenger, Elijah Wenger, Alain Bahige, Heather Kelly, Nikki Lubken, Chelsey Humphrey, Melissa Humphrey Buck, Kerri Humphrey, Jessica Humphrey, Mandi Humphrey Harvey, Tierney Hofmeister Jeffers, Mikayla Hofmeister, Brodee Hofmeister, James Carr Hofmeister, and Ciara Hofmeister Coleman; many, many, many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda Butcher; brothers, Larry Ellis, and Donny Ellis; sister-in-law, Janice McCoy Boyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry McCoy; granddaughter, Misty Humphrey; sisters, Marjorie Thompson and Betty McNeff; brothers, Jack Thompson, Frank Thompson, Billy Ellis, Richard Moore, and Donny Moore.

There will be a Celebration of Life on May 3 at 11 a.m., at Family Life Church, with Pastor Marty Crump officiating.  There will be a reception at Family Life Church, directly following the Celebration of Life, then graveside services for family and close friends following the reception at Mount Pisgah Cemetery.

Gillette Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be expressed at gillettememorialchapel.com. Memorial contributions/donations may be made in Joan’s name for The Legacy Living Center-Resident Activity Fund, and University of Wyoming, Wyoming Center on Aging-Wyoming Dementia Together (WYCOA-WDT) and sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St. Gillette, WY  82716.