Obituary of Joy Lee Strausbaugh

Joy Lee Strausbaugh, long time resident of Iowa City and Mt. Vernon, succumbed to cancer on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at Mercy Hospital Iowa City. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2007, 1:00 PM, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City led by Reverend Harris Hostager. Joy Lee Strausbaugh was born Nov. 27, 1935, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Robert E. Strausbaugh and the late Ida Mae Strausbaugh. She was married May 23, 1987, to John H. Kerr, who survives, along with step-sons, John S. Kerr, and Mark Kerr and wife Peg, all of Mt. Vernon; and three step-grandchildren Lindsey, Jackie, and Chris Kerr. Also surviving Joy is her father, Robert Strausbaugh, Chillicothe Ohio, her sister and brother-in-law, Jacklyn and Gary Bryson; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Carol Strausbaugh, several nephews and nieces, and a great niece, all of Cincinnati, Ohio. Joy was an accomplished musician. She graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music with degrees in Piano and Harp Performance, and earned a M.F.A degree from the Manhattan School of Music in Piano Performance and Theory. She also studied abroad in Rome and Salzburg. Having taught music in various educational institutions throughout her career, Joy spent the last several years providing private piano instruction in Iowa City, as well as playing and performing in area churches and other venues. She was extremely proud of her students who continued to study and play music. Thoughts, memories, and condolences may be left for the family on the Web at www.gayandciha.com under “Obituaries & Condolences.” In lieu of flowers, Joy requested that memorials be directed to Iowa City Hospice, 1025 Wade Street, Iowa City, IA 52245 or Preucil School of Music, 524 N Johnson St, Iowa City, IA 52245.