Joey Ann Bozich, 90, of Monon, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on January 6, 2022 at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus in West Lafayette, IN where she had resided the past several years. She was born June 23, 1931 in Lafayette to the late Richard J. and Ruby F. (Pullins) McElroy.
Joey was a 1949 graduate of Monon High School and maintained lifelong friendships with her classmates. She attended Purdue University and returned to Monon to work with her father at Dick McElroy Insurance Agency until her retirement at the age of 70.
Family, friends and community were very important to her. She formed many close bonds with people she met in the course of her community service and her work and she took great pleasure in nurturing these relationships. Joey was a lifelong member of the Monon United Methodist Church serving in many roles through the years. She was a founding member of the Monon Civic Preservation Society, a charter member of Zeta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa Sorority. She proudly chaired the Poppy Day committee as a member of the Monon American Legion Auxiliary. She was also instrumental in bringing a healthcare clinic to the Monon community.
Joey was a quiet but strong presence. She had a very kind, warm and welcoming personality and a knack for putting others at ease. She was a good listening ear and you always felt better after talking with her. She was kind to everyone, had a great sense of humor and was loved by all who had the good fortune to know her.
Joey was an exceptional mother, always encouraging and supporting her children’s interests, creativity and endeavors. She instilled in them the importance of respect for others, empathy, honesty, accountability, curiosity, determination, communication and being true to yourself. She also taught them the love of poetry, theater and the lyrics to every Broadway musical. Other things she loved included playing her baby grand piano and singing, John Wayne movies, White Diamonds perfume, Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy, and Turner Classic Movies. Additionally she loved watching the NBA. She could hold her own in any sports discussion. Her son in law, Doug, always said she made the best Chex mix.
Joey is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Doug Keith) Bozich Keith of West Lafayette; niece, Gwen (Mike) Lazowski of Rogers, MN and their children, Ben and Sarah. Also surviving are step-grandchildren, Rebecca (Cory) Sullivan, Phillip (Misty) Keith, and Patrick Keith all of Shelbyville, IN.
Preceding her in death along with her parents are a son, Nicholas Paul Bozich; sister, Marsha Bryant; brother-in-law, Dr. Tracy Bryant and two nephews, Richard and Tracy Lee Bryant of Carbondale, IL. Our family is comforted in knowing that Joey is with her son, Nicky Paul and other family members who are celebrating her arrival in heaven.
A celebration of Joey’s life will be held at a later date due to the current COVID climate. Please share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.
Memorial contributions in Joey’s name may be made to The Monon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 587, Monon , IN 47959 or The Monon Civic Preservation Society, P.O. Box 742, Monon, IN 47950.
