Obituary for Joy Elizabeth Melugin
Joy Elizabeth Melugin, 38, passed away on March 16, 2020 after a courageous, hard fought, 8-month battle with endometrial cancer in Billings, MT. She is survived by her husband Kyle Melugin, her son Theo Melugin, her father Doug (Gail) Kelly, her mother Faith Kelly, her brother Kirk Kelly, her sister-in-law Kayla Melugin (Ryan), her brother-in-law Tyler Melugin (Katie), her mother-in-law Lucy Melugin and her father-in-law Jeff Melugin, as well as aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her Aunt Kathy.
Joy was the youngest child born to Doug Kelly and Faith Kelly on May 12, 1981 in Clarksville, AR. She would tell stories of running through the woods behind her family home barefoot as a child and how much she remembered the southern cooking, especially biscuits and gravy – her favorite. Her father, Doug, became an Executive Presbyter and the family moved to Salt Lake City, UT for a time. Eventually, they moved to Billings when Joy was about 9 years old. It was during her time in Billings that she met the love of her life, Kyle.
Joy and Kyle were not your typical high school sweethearts. They met each other through Doc Elison, who was the Speech and Drama coach. Joy needed a partner and Kyle was eager to try out for the team. Although they didn’t last as a debate team, a spark was ignited that carried into the next year. They didn’t really get their relationship going until Joy was a freshman in college and Kyle was a junior in high school. They carried a long-distance relationship that would last 6 years, and they married before God and their families on August 5, 2005.
Kyle and Joy were blessed with Theo on August 20, 2013 through adoption. This loving gift from Theo’s birth-mom, Megan, allowed Kyle and Joy to have a son, and Theo forever changed their world for the better.
Joy lived her life as a supporting wife, a loving mother, and an amazing friend to many. Her faith defined her life and was always at the forefront. She loved her family to the fullest and did everything she could to support them. Kyle is forever grateful for her guidance in his life to become a better man and to truly have a better half.
Cremation has taken place. A Vigil Service will be held at Smith West Chapel at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The Memorial Mass is Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Rite of Committal at Calvary Cemetery. For those wishing to make donations to help the family, a free will giving site has been setup through https://paypal.me/pools/c/8nmDAEpKcK Condolences for the family may be shared at www.smithfuneralchapels.com.
Joy was the youngest child born to Doug Kelly and Faith Kelly on May 12, 1981 in Clarksville, AR. She would tell stories of running through the woods behind her family home barefoot as a child and how much she remembered the southern cooking, especially biscuits and gravy – her favorite. Her father, Doug, became an Executive Presbyter and the family moved to Salt Lake City, UT for a time. Eventually, they moved to Billings when Joy was about 9 years old. It was during her time in Billings that she met the love of her life, Kyle.
Joy and Kyle were not your typical high school sweethearts. They met each other through Doc Elison, who was the Speech and Drama coach. Joy needed a partner and Kyle was eager to try out for the team. Although they didn’t last as a debate team, a spark was ignited that carried into the next year. They didn’t really get their relationship going until Joy was a freshman in college and Kyle was a junior in high school. They carried a long-distance relationship that would last 6 years, and they married before God and their families on August 5, 2005.
Kyle and Joy were blessed with Theo on August 20, 2013 through adoption. This loving gift from Theo’s birth-mom, Megan, allowed Kyle and Joy to have a son, and Theo forever changed their world for the better.
Joy lived her life as a supporting wife, a loving mother, and an amazing friend to many. Her faith defined her life and was always at the forefront. She loved her family to the fullest and did everything she could to support them. Kyle is forever grateful for her guidance in his life to become a better man and to truly have a better half.
Cremation has taken place. A Vigil Service will be held at Smith West Chapel at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The Memorial Mass is Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Rite of Committal at Calvary Cemetery. For those wishing to make donations to help the family, a free will giving site has been setup through https://paypal.me/pools/c/8nmDAEpKcK Condolences for the family may be shared at www.smithfuneralchapels.com.