Bonnie Joyce “Joy” Foster December 21, 1944 – January 20, 2026

Bonnie Joyce “Joy” Foster passed away peacefully at her home on January 20, 2026. She was born on December 21, 1944, in Holton, Kansas to John and Nancy Ackeret.

Joy devoted more than 20 years of her life to education as a Special Ed teacher, a career that took her across the United States and to Alaska. It was there that she met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Foster, at a Barry McGuire concert at Abbot Loop Christian Center in Anchorage, Alaska while Chuck was serving in the United States Air Force. They were married on May 5, 1989, and shared 36 years of love, faith, and devotion together.

Joy had a deep love for art and painting, finding joy in color, creativity, and the quiet moments they brought her. She approached everything she did with care and remarkable attention to detail. Joy loved deeply and fearlessly, giving her whole heart to her family, her faith, and the people she believed in. She was strong-willed, determined, and never one to quit, even in life’s hardest seasons. She enjoyed lively discussions about politics, held firm Christian values, and lived her faith daily. Joy was a faithful member of Jennings Church of God, Jasper Church of God and Lake City Church of God for a time, where she found fellowship and spiritual comfort.

Joy is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Charles “Chuck” Foster; her children, Cromwell Evely, Matthew Koerner, and Jenny Evely; and her adopted son, Ellio Cuadrada. She is also survived by her father-in-law, Joseph Hegedus; her sister-in-law, Diana Smith; her special niece, Fawn Coombs; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, Sister Faithful Janice Schiltz, Super Neighbor Carol Chadwick, adopted grandchildren Campbell, Rowen, and Winston Chadwick, Jon-Michael and Kayla Borzeka, and cherished family friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nancy Ackeret, and her mother-in-law, Judith Hegedus.

Services will be held on January 26, 2026, at Harry T. Reid Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.