Obituary for Joy J. Hammat

Joy J. Hammat, born April 1, 1939, passed away in her home on April 17, 2017. Joy was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Joseph A. Hammat Jr, her parents, Harold Lyman Allen and Mary Irene Robinson Allen, sisters Sheila Hughes, Diane Jensen, and brother Fred Allen. She is survived by a sister, Donna (Mike) Priddy, three daughters; Penny (Larry) Hughes, Russellville, Arkansas, Lynn (John) Whitman, Vernal, Utah, and Lorna (Michael) Swinton, Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Rachael Hughes of Green River, WY, Christina (Stehle) Cooley of San Francisco, CA, Anna (Stehle) Ruybalid of Craig, CO, Clifford Stehle, of Craig, CO, Randy Adams of Silverthorne, CO, Amy Adams of Jacksonville, FL, and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Joy spent several years moving from state to state with her children and husband, who was employed by Continental Oil. In 1973, they left the oil fields and moved to her husband’s home town, Craig, CO. Joy began her career in Craig working as a secretary at GAC finance. Later she became a loan officer at Moffat County State Bank. She also served as an elected official, Moffat County Treasurer, for four terms and was named Treasurer of the Year during her service. Community was important to her and she enjoyed providing a service with her great team at the Treasurer’s office.
In her spare time, Joy loved to bake and make candy. Her kitchen was always busy during the holidays. She was so proud of her butter flake rolls that she baked them by the dozens to be shared with family and friends. Arts and crafts were also a big part of her life. There was always a project spread across the dining room table. She would do her best to solicit help from her children and grandchildren getting them involved in projects like filling gift bags for the senior citizens.
Joy performed many anonymous acts of quiet kindness toward those in need. Her enthusiasm for life and never ending energy was contagious. In 2000 Joy moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ, where she spent the remaining of her years playing in the sun. At Joy’s request, there will be no memorial or funeral services. She prefers we remember her as she lived, with “Joy.