BOISE—Julia Pearl (Bledsoe) Coy, our beloved angel, wife, mother, and grandmother was lifted into the presence of her blessed Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. She left us at her home where she wanted to be, surrounded by family.
Julia was born Aug. 11, 1922 in Crisp, Mo., the second daughter of 12 children, to Charles and Luvicia Bledsoe. Her parents moved to Carthage, Mo., when she was an infant. She attended school up to the sixth grade. Mom lived a life of poverty, growing up in the Depression, so she appreciated everything and could make a little go a long way. She could make a feast out of just a few ingredients, and we can still hear her joyfully singing as she labored in love for her family. Mom always wanted to learn to play the piano, but was never given the opportunity. Mom loved flowers, especially roses. She also enjoyed gardening and harvesting the fresh vegetables from her garden.
Julia married Kenneth W. Coy on Aug. 17, 1940. They had three sons while residing in Missouri. In 1947, they packed all their possessions they could fit into their Model A station wagon and headed to Idaho. They settled in Boise and had resided here since. They had two daughters. Mom worked at a small café at 27th and Main Street for a short time. She also worked briefly at the Mode Tea Room, but Mom's true calling was to be a devoted mother and wife, and she was the best. She devoted her entire life to loving and nurturing her family and husband. After her children were nearly grown, she worked for Watson Babysitting Service, where she spent her time caring for others' children. She did this for several years until poor health caused her to quit. Mom loved to go up to the Wood River Valley and visit her daughter, but she was unable to travel in her later years. Mom lived a simple life with few material things, but our home was filled with more love and caring than any amount of money could buy.
Mom was a very unique woman. She never learned to drive, so she walked everywhere. Her feet carried her many miles through the years. Mom and Dad were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this past August, so we have treasured each year God let us have with her. Mom suffered poor health for many years and she endured more pain than any one person should have to, yet she never complained. She taught us what patience, long suffering and grace truly are. Because of Mom, each of her children and many grandchildren came to know Jesus as their own Savior. Thank you, Mama. Through all of Mom's suffering, her spirit grew stronger. Her quiet suffering and gentle spirit said more to us than words. She was our beacon of light, and her sweet loving spirit gave us peace and comfort. We will miss her gentle touch and the sound of her sweet voice, but the sight of her precious face and her loving spirit carries us all. Fly with the angels, Mama, you are truly free at last.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister and one granddaughter. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; sons Venture (Darlene) of Boise, Victor (Karen) of Boise, Gary (Linda) of Boise; daughters Kathy Coy Hansen of Ketchum, Karen (Bart) Hendricks of Boise; 12 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and sisters Vesta, Georgia, Sharon Key, Shirley and Delphi.
Viewing was held Thursday, March 2, at Cloverdale Funeral Home, and a service honoring Mom was Friday, March 3, at Cloverdale. Burial was in Dry Creek Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Cloverdale.
