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Joy Dean Defrees
Leavenworth, Kansas
July 26, 1928 - November 12, 2025
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Joy Dean Defrees Obituary
Joy Dean (Ownes) Defrees, 97, a lifelong resident of Leavenworth, passed away Nov. 12, 2025. She was born July 26, 1928, in Leavenworth, Kan., the daughter of Frank and Lelia (Pogue) Owens.
She graduated from Leavenworth High School on June 2, 1946, and married the love of her life Jacob S. Defrees Jr., one week later on June 9, 1946. They were happily married for 64 years before Jake’s passing in 2010.
Joy is survived by three children, Jacob III (Linda Lee) Defrees, Timothy L. (Mary) Defrees and Trudy (Marlin) Holyfield; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.
We hope you have fond memories of Joy and sometimes wear a hat for her. Joy loved her hats.
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joy, please visit our Tree Store.
Joy Dean (Ownes) Defrees, 97, a lifelong resident of Leavenworth, passed away Nov. 12, 2025. She was born July 26, 1928, in Leavenworth, Kan., the daughter of Frank and Lelia (Pogue) Owens.
She graduated from Leavenworth High School on June 2, 1946, and married the love of her life Jacob S. Defrees Jr., one week later on June 9,
Events
Memorial Service
Saturday, November 22, 2025
11:00 am
First United Methodist Church