Merna Joy Wooden

Merna Joy Furniss Wooden was born February 7, 1935 the third child of Clara Violet Cross Furniss and Alfred Parson Furniss.

Merna Joy was named after her mother’s favorite actress Myrna Loy, but everyone knew her as Joy; Joy was born and grew up in the basalt area.   She married Billy Dean Byington, in Blackfoot, Idaho (later divorced), out of this loving union she was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Linda Lee Byington (Neil) Carter of California, and Merna Lynn Byington (Marvin) Willis of Texas.    Joy met and married Arland Wooden in California they later divorced.

Several years ago after taking care of her ailing mother, Joy and her sister Adele (the sisters were like twins, one just never saw one without the other) came back to Pocatello, Idaho to be with family and friends.   On January 18, 2011 having her loving family by her side Joy left her frail body, to reunite with her heavenly family.

Joy loved animals especially her puppy gizmo, she also enjoyed reading, spending time with her daughters, grandchildren and great grand children, and they are the light in her eyes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Wanda June Furniss, and a brother, Charles (Chick) Edwin Furniss.

Joy is survived by her two daughters, sisters, Adele (Della) Marie Furniss of Pocatello; Clara Emilia Copa (Calvin) Murray of California; Ellen Fay (Edward ) Meyer of California; a brother, Walter Kent (Heidi) Copa of California; 6 grand children, Colby Brent Carter of Pocatello; Brieanna Trotsky of California; Breanna Willis, Felicia Willis, Mathew Willis, Marcus Willis all of Texas; she is also blessed with 8 great grand children.

In lieu of flowers Joy requested donations be sent to the A.S.P.C.A. (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) 520 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Graveside services will be 4:00 p.m. Friday January 21, 2011 at the Basalt Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Friday from 2:00 till 3:40 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley.