Joy Phinney Jillson, 97, of Russell, Kansas, died on October 24, 2016, at the Main Street Manor in Russell, Kansas.

Joy was born on April 07, 1919, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of C.M. and Leta (Smith) Phinney.  She grew up in Russell, attended local schools and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1936.  After high school, she attended the Salina Business College.  She was married in 1944, to Joe R. Jillson and divorced in 1961.  She lived away from Russell for many years, living in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas, Texas.  She returned to Russell, Kansas, in 1972, making it her permanent home for the rest of her life.  She was a member of the Congregational Church in Russell.  She was also a member of the Russell Historical Society and the Russell Hospital Auxiliary.

Surviving family include her nieces Diane Respensek, Cindy Kummer and nephew Dennis Phinney

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers James, Dick and Donald Phinney and a half brother C.M. Phinney, Jr.

A private graveside service will be planned at a later date and cremation has been selected by the family.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.